Clara Aline Crocker Brown, 99 years, 11 months, and 12 days passed away peacefully at her home in Sesser, on Saturday June 20, 2020.

Clara was born July 7, 1920 in Goode Township to Raymond J. and Mary Della (McBride) Crocker. Clara lived most of her entire life within a mile and a half of her birthplace. She married Andrew Earl Brown on December 19, 1939 in Jackson, Missouri.

Clara, attended rural schools; Mount Tabor and White Oak for her elementary education and in 1936, graduated from the Goode-Barren Township High School. After graduating high school she attended Southern Illinois University for a limited elementary certificate and taught at the White Oak School, northwest of Sesser.

After being a housewife and raising her children; with the encouragement of her father, she worked 19 years at the Franklin County Housing Authority in Benton and West Frankfort. Once retired from the housing authority, she worked for Goode Township in Sesser for 16 years.

Throughout Clara’s life she was a member of: the Goode Township Home Extension, American Legion Auxiliary Bates Post 560, Daughters of the American Revolution, and several genealogical societies such as: the Jackson County Illinois Genealogical Society, Grayson County Kentucky Genealogical Society, Jefferson County Ohio Genealogical Society, Southern Illinois Genealogy Society in Carterville, West Franklin Genealogical/History Society in Mulkeytown, and the Prairie Historian in Waltonville. Clara was also a charter member of the Goode-Barren Genealogical and Historical Society in Sesser. She was instrumental in starting the Goode-Barren Genealogical Library located in the back of the Goode Township.

During Clara’s later years with her love for genealogy; she mastered learning to use the computer, and spent countless hours searching the internet and corresponding with others. During her time spent working on her own family genealogy, she discovered her direct descendants came over on the Mayflower.

Clara spent many hours walking Maple Hill Cemetery; her hard work paid off in 1996, when she published the Maple Hill Cemetery Book; which she loved doing. The book was dedicated in memory of her husband. She also gathered information that was used for the publication of Horse Prairie Cemetery book. Clara took great pride in her yard and the love she had for flowers.

Above all, she loved her family. Clara is survived by two children: Ruth Ann McGlasson of Sesser, and David Earl Brown and wife Sharon Kay (Kerns) of Creston, IL.

At the young age of 38, becoming a grandmother, and not knowing what lied ahead of her; she opened her home to her grandchildren for various reasons throughout her life. She was proud of her home and the haven it provided throughout the years.

Her 13 grandchildren: William “Billy” Gale Hicks of Scheller; Vicki Lynn (Hicks) Lewis and husband Bruce of Valier; Alan Dale and wife Kelley LeAnn (Loucks) Hicks of Scheller; Patricia “Tish” Ann (Hicks) Pinegar of Sesser; Roger Earl and wife Sandra “Sandy” Dianne (Pitchford) Hicks of Scheller; Randall “Randy” Rex Roberson of Scheller, Richard “Rick” Roberson of Effingham, IL; Edward “Dean” Ritchie of Rochelle, IL; Crystal Gail (Brown) Dunseth and husband David “Scott” of Stillman Valley, IL; Dustin Earl and wife Noelle Shelby (Shultz) Brown of Sycamore, IL; Brian Lee and wife Angela “Angie” Lynn (Murphy) Gunter of Scheller; Brent Andrew Murphy and wife Melissa Ann (Donoho) Gunter of Scheller; Brice Taylor and wife Karla Marie (Nipper) Gunter of Ewing.

She is survived by 32 great-grandchildren: Ryan Gale and wife Lydia Raye (Dick) Hicks of Coello; Christin Michelle Hicks of Sesser; Jordan Lee Hicks of Scheller; William “Andy” Andrew and wife Anna “Katie” Kathleen (House) Lewis of Benton; Wade Alan Lewis of Benton; Alyn Beth (Hicks) Newbury and husband Timothy “Tim” James of Scheller; Tiffany Chanelle (Hicks) Powell and husband William “Eric” of Sesser; Sarah Elizabeth (Hicks) Alexander of Sesser; Mahaylah Claire (Hicks) Mabrey and husband Timothy “Tim” Lee of Scheller; Robert “Ethan” Hicks of Peoria, Dustin Lee and wife Chelsi Rhea (Overall) of Chaffee, MO; Alayna Brooke Hicks of Scheller; Michael Edward Pinegar of Sesser; Jeana Ann Louise (Pinegar) Williams and husband Austin of Sterling; Timothy “Tim” John and wife Maddie Hicks of Sesser; Katie Dianne (Hicks) Phillips and husband Kyle Ray of Scheller; Isaac Lee Hicks and wife Kelsey Taylor (Whitecotton) of Scheller; Grace Abigail (Hicks) Phelps and husband Michael Anthony of Sesser; Jonathon Michael Ritchie and wife Sara (Snow) of Oregon, IL; Owen Nathanial Dunseth and Amelia Paige Dunseth of Stillman Valley; Collin Andrew Brown and Lauren Elizabeth Brown of Sycamore; Lukas Brian Gunter, Elijah “Eli” Gunter, Garrett Lee Gunter, Gabe Edward Gunter and Annabelle “Belle” Lynn Gunter of Scheller; Brayden Andrew Murphy Gunter and Cody Raymond J Gunter of Scheller; Brylan Marie Gunter and Stella Elaine Gunter of Ewing.

24 great-great grandchildren: Waylon Lee Hicks and Halle Nicole Minier of Coello; Caeden Ryan Hicks of Sesser; Skyler Lynn Lewis of Benton; Layla Belle Newbury and Alba James Newbury of Scheller; London Rhyan Powell and Nash Eric Powell of Sesser; Talan Michael Alexander of Sesser; Brooklyn Nevaeh Grace Hicks of Scheller and Ashlee Nicole Hicks of Christopher; Torie Aline Pinegar of Sesser; Jacob “Jake” Aaron Hicks and Joshua “Josh” Thomas Hicks of Scheller; Joseph “Joey” Robert Hicks of Sesser; Gauge Ray Phillips, Karlie May Phillips, Della Kate Phillips of Scheller; Noa Grace Phelps and Rey Madelyn Phelps of Sesser; Henna Zurich Lewis and Hazel Elaine Lewis of Benton; Coraline Elaine Ruth Hicks of Chafee; Ella Ryann Ritchie of Oregon.

Clara is survived by son-in-law, Ronald Roberson of Scheller; sister-in-law’s, Ruth Ann (Summers) Crocker of Sesser and Elizabeth Crocker of Oklahoma City, OK; and many nieces and nephews.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband Andrew “Earl” Brown, who died July 14, 1993. Her parents, Raymond J and Mary Della (McBride) Crocker; daughters, Glenna Jean (Brown) Roberson and Joyce Elaine (Brown) Gunter. Son-in-law, Hershel Lee Gunter; Sister, Dorothy Elizabeth (Crocker) Moody; brothers, Elmer Ellsworth Crocker, William “Bill” Crocker and Burton “Burt” Raymond Crocker. Sister-in-law, Wilma “Jean” (Dillow) Crocker and brother-in-law, Merle Moody and nephew, Carl Crocker. A special double cousin, Venona Lucille “Lucy” (Crocker) Laird. Clara also preceded in death by three special dogs who brought great joy to her: Rock, Bob and Krispy.

Graveside services will be on Sunday June 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: SSM Health at Home Hospice of Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Clint Andrew Sullins, 52, of Sesser, passed away on June 18, 2020.

He was born on July 11, 1967 in Chicago Heights, IL to Henry and Sandra (Stilts) Sullins Jr.

He is survived by his mother Sandra Sullins of Sesser; fiancé Lynnette Jones of Sesser; three children Kristen (Ryan) Tobicoe of Hobart, IN, Taylor Sullins of Portage, IN and Cole Andrew Sullins of Portage, IN; one grandson Landon Tobicoe of Hobart, IN; one sister Tina Ricci of Sesser; one brother Jason (Kristina) Sullins of Naperville, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Henry Sullins Jr.

He was a construction worker and loved to ride Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.

Graveside services will be on Monday June 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL with Pastor Jordan Bird officiating.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Irene (Rozenski) Wisnoski, 95, of Sesser, IL passed away peacefully on June 17, 2020 at Winfield Woods Health Care in Winfield, IL.

Beloved wife of the late Mike Wisnoski, Irene is survived by her daughters Paula Polak (Michael) of Chicago, IL, Patricia Fiorino (Steve Shapiro) of Winfield, IL, and Charlotte Conner (David) of Champaign, IL; her six grandchildren: Lisa and Jason Polak, Katie (Matt Roberts) Fiorino and Connie (Ethan Luke) Fiorino, and Brooke (Zachariah Burton) Conner and Julie (Andrew) Ohanesian; and her four great grandchildren, Beatrix Luke, Quinn Burton, Oliver Fiorino, and Clyde Ohanesian.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Mike Wisnoski, her parents, Bill and Anna Rozenski, her brother, Paul (Edna and Lorraine) Rozenski and sister, Carolene (Michael) Powenski.

Irene was born on October 15, 1924. She and her mother owned and operated Rozenski Grocery until its closure in 1980. While he was delivering milk to her store, she met her husband, Mike Wisnoski. They married on November 2, 1946 and remained devoted to each other until his death on April 6, 2013.
Rozenski Grocery was a special place for the people of Sesser when they were struggling with unemployment or having difficult times because Irene and her mother sold food on credit for those needing the help. No interest was charged. Customers could pay their grocery bills when they went back to work.

She spent her life in service to her family. She and Mike built a home on Lucretia Street across the street from her mother’s house. In that home, they raised their three daughters and later hosted countless family gatherings with their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, who returned to Sesser for holiday and for Sesser Homecoming. Irene’s home was decorated with photos of weddings, birthdays, and other events, creating her own small museum of her family’s adventures throughout the years.
A devout Catholic, Irene was a member of St. Mary’s Church and was a member of the Altar Society. She was a devoted caregiver to her mother and her husband in their later years.

The family would like to thank the staff at Winfield Woods Healthcare and ALC Hospice for their compassionate care.

Private Graveside services will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 1 pm. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the Sesser-Valier Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

David C. Smothers, 50 of Marion, passed Thursday, June 11, 2020.

David grew up in Sesser, IL. He was a Graduate of SIU, Carbondale and spent his entire career in the tire industry. He traveled extensively all over the globe and made many friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was born on December 18, 1969 in Pinckneyville, Il to Cyril Leon and Gayla (Roberts) Smothers. He married Tricia (Bruner) Smothers and she survives of Marion.

In the past six years, he met the love of his life and gained a son, who he absolutely loved wholeheartedly. He thought he missed the window of having children, and was grateful he got to fulfill the role of father.

He is survived by his wife Tricia Smothers of Marion; son Peyton Wall of Marion; mother Gayla Smothers of Sesser; sister Pamela (Kevin) Cummings of Mt Vernon; two brother-in-law’s BJ Bruner of Collinsville, IL and Bryan (Jenny) Bruner of Marion, IL.
He was preceded in death by his father Cyril Leon Smothers.
Private graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Rev. Jim Slone officiating.
David kept in contact with everyone he ever met since Kindergarten. He had a great sense of humor, a gift for gab, and wore his heart on his sleeve. He will be greatly missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been set up for Peyton. He was looking foward to watching him become a successful human and often discussed where he would like him to go to college.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Marguerite Yvonne Matyi, 86, of Christopher, Illinois passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 7:30 AM, Saturday, June 6, 2020.

A private funeral mass will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Christopher, IL. Graveside services for Marguerite will be at 12 PM at the St. Andrew Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Andrew Chapel Fund, 412 E. Washington, Christopher, Il or CAYA (Christopher Area Youth Association), c/o Thomas House, 403 N. Ward, Christopher, IL. Gilbert Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Visit our website www.gilbertsfuneralhome.com.

Marguerite was born on August 20, 1933, in Christopher, Illinois to Henry and Carmen (Maniez) Bedar. She was the sister to two brothers, Rennie Bedar and Henry Bedar Jr., whom she greatly adored. She met the love of her life Albert Matyi on a Grey Hound bus coming home from her job at General Telephone. Their romance took off and they were married on April 1, 1952. It really took off!!

She is survived by her children Mike and Jenni Matyi, Benton, Steve and Sara Matyi, Mulkeytown, Beth and Kevin Davie, Johnston City, Janie and Randy Rowland, Mulkeytown, Francie and Rodney Fourez, Christopher and David Matyi, Mulkeytown, her grandchildren Thomas and Erin House, Christopher, Bill and Jacque Matyi, Johnston City, Joe House, Murrieta, California, Kevin Davie Jr, Johnston City, Meghan and Chad Dirler, Duquoin, Lindsi and Josh Downs, Duquoin, Nick and Molly Davie, Johnston City, Rodney and Katie Fourez, Swansea, Jared Fourez, Christopher, Katie and Eric Peradotto, Pickneyville, Loghan Matyi, Christopher and her great granchildren, Drake and Will Matyi, Max and Kylie Davie, Matyi and Mallory House, Londyn and Saylor Dirler, Jack and Addison Downs, Athena Fourez, Jase and Owen Fourez, Fisher and Lainey Peradotto, and Knox Davie. So many cousins and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Also her beloved God children, Debbie Kretz and Mark Kirkpatrick.

Sadly Marguerite lost the love of her life, her husband Albert Matyi on November 19, 1973 and exactly 28 years later on the same day, her beloved daughter Cheryl (Sissy) House in 2001. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brothers.

Marguerite, also known as GMA to many, will always be remembered as a huge Chicago Cubs fan and fortunately was able to see her Cubs win the World Series in 2016. She was a huge supporter of the Christopher Bearcats and enjoyed spending time with her classmates. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She loved to pray her rosary daily and always made of list of those who needed special prayers. To us she was a legend in her own time.

Although she will be missed greatly by her family and friends we are comforted knowing that she is with Albert and Sissy and all of her loved ones in heaven.

Rodney L.”Bootsie” Boots, 66, of Benton, passed away at 5:40 a.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Benton Health Care and Rehab Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was born on May 29, 1954, to Herman Boots and Bessie (Boner) Lampley in Danville, IL. On August 29, 1976, he married Jenny K.Battin, and she preceded him in death.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bootsie enjoyed being around people and had a passion for working on vehicles from mechanics to auto body. He liked singing karaoke.

Rodney is survived two sons, Jamie (Heather) Miller of Carterville and Rodney Beasley of KY; two daughters, Patti (Jim) Miller of Benton and Sheresa (Ralph) Taylor of Benton and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Boots and Bessie Lampley, his wife, Jenny K. Boots, a son, Curtis Boots, three brothers, Phillip Boots, Charles Boots and Steve Boots and one sister, Twana Jacobs.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL

Per Rodney’s wishes cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.