Evelyn Durham – Benton, IL

Evelyn Durham, 98, of Benton, passed away at 7:50 p.m., on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born November 2, 1921, to Frank and Rose (Lee) Corn in Macedonia. On April 21, 1940, she married Mathew Durham and he preceded her in death.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her biggest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved giving advice and was very active. She especially enjoyed going on bus travel trips.

Evelyn is survived by her loving family, one daughter, Linda Inabnit of Macedonia; one son, Joe (Catherine) Durham of Mechanicsville, VA; one daughter-in-law, Leona Durham of Benton; one sister-in-law, Eloise Corn; nine grandchildren, Shane Inabnit, Shawn (Robin) Inabnit, Chad (Ashley) Inabnit, Michael Durham, Wade (Angie) Durham, Paige Durham, Connor Durham, Travis (Melissa) Sons, Kristal Hamilton; twelve great-grandchildren, Grayson, Cassie, Skylar, Cody, Peyton, Tyler, Kiley, Eli, Zoey, Camdon, Trevin, Tyler and many niece, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rosa Corn, her husband, Mathew Durham, one son, Larry Durham and one brother, Bob Corn.

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

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Brady Cemetery in Akin, IL, with Ron Winemiller, officiating. Phase 4 Restore Guidelines will be in effect.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Evelyn’s home health nurses and her hospice nurses.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SSM Hospice of Mt. Vernon and may be mailed to 2 Good Samaritan Way, Suite 325, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864.

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

Charles Ray Clark- Johnston City, IL

Charles Ray Clark, 66, of Johnston City, IL passed away on Sunday June 28, 2020.

He was born on October 27, 1953 in Elgin to William and Joan (Bloom) Clark.

He is survived by his mother Joan (Bloom) Clark Galloway of Cleburn, IL; two brothers Billy Joe Clark of West Frankfort, IL and Robert L. Clark of Cleburn, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, and one James A. Clark.

Charles lived at Progressive Management in Johnston City, IL. He was very athletic and loved competing in the Special Olympics. He also enjoyed going bowling and going out to eat.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday July 1, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Union Cemetery in Dahlgren, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Dorothy Mae (Fowler) Webb – Ewing, IL

Dorothy Mae (Fowler) Webb, 99, of Ewing passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday evening at Helia Health Care of Benton.

Dorothy was born in Ina, IL on May 1, 1921 to Joseph H. & Ruby (Duncan) Fowler. She married Leo P. Webb on December 7, 1940 in Perryville, MO. Together they spent 53 happy years. Dorothy worked for many years as a cook for the Ewing Grade School as well as enjoyed quilting, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren who called her ME ME.
She was a founding member of New Hope Free WIll Baptist Church.
Dorothy is survived by one sister Nellie Adams of Imperial, MO
Two Children: Sandra Beal of Palos Park, IL and Rick and (Joyce) Webb of West Frankfort, IL.
Seven Grandchildren: Susan Beal and (Patrick) Frangella
Steven and (Erin) Beal
Stephanie Webb
Larry and (Melanie) Webb
Willie and (Theresa) Herron
Justin and (Tiffany) Herron
Josh and (Kelly) Webb
12 Great-Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leo, four sisters: Ina Payne, Loretta Murphy, Chloe Bevis, Lois Glatz and seven brothers Hap, Cleo, Clyde, Jake, Danny, Sammy and Paul Fowler.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Monday, June 29th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with a service at 3:00 P.M. officiated by Pastor Roger Teal. Private family graveside services will be at Hope Cemetery. As per the current guidelines in place a maxium amount of 50 people will be permitted in the funeral home at a time. If you are planning on attending the services it is reccomended that you wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hope Cemetery Association 17336 E. Franklin Road Ewing, IL 62836
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Cynthia Jean Sims-Mulkeytown, IL

Cynthia Jean Sims, 84, of Mulkeytown, passed away on June 25, 2020 at her home.

She was born on November 1, 1935 in Mulkeytown, IL to Val and Mary (Etherton) Norris. She married Carl Sims on April 28, 1951 in Pocahontas, AR, together they enjoyed 69 years of marriage and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her children Glenn (Susan) Sims of Mukwonago, WI, John (Laurel) Sims of Waltonville, IL, Arlie (Robert Kokott) Sims of Chicago, IL, Carla Sims of Centralia, IL and Mary (Michelle Leeper) Sims of Christopher; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and one sister Caroline Conner of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother Laura (Swisher) Norris, one son Thomas N. Sims and one sister Mildred Mannino.

Graveside services will be on Sunday June 28, 2020 at 3:00 PM at the Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown with Pastor Bill Wiggs and Zip Biby officiating. Burial will be at Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ward-Greenwood Cemetery Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Clara Aline Crocker Brown – Sesser, IL

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-Sesser, IL

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

Lenora Faye Kraft – Benton, IL

Lenora Faye Kraft, 92, of Benton, IL passed away Thursday morning June 18, 2020 at the Benton Rehab & Health Care Center.

She was born in Franklin County on June 10, 1928, the daughter of Harry and Iva (Wilson) Struble. She married Arlie Sam Kraft.

Mrs. Kraft was a school cook for several years. She also worked at Town & Country. Mrs. Kraft along with her husband loved camping, family and grandchildren.

Mrs. Kraft is survived by her husband of 73 years, Arlie Sam Kraft of Benton; four sons, Sam Kraft, of Benton, Gary Kraft, and wife Debby, of Benton, Scott Kraft, of Benton and Chris Kraft, and wife Teresa, of Benton; grandchildren Jeffifer Kraft, Brandon Kraft, and wife Samantha, Cody Kraft and wife Christine, Sheena Kraft, Courtney Kraft, Mike Kraft, and fiancee Mercedes and Samantha Kraft. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

Mrs. Kraft was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law, Linda Kraft, two brothers and three sisters.
A private family visitation will be held. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 20th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Irene (Rozenski) Wisnoski – Sesser, IL

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

Thomas Franklin Chitwood – Ava, IL

Thomas Franklin Chitwood, Sr, 61, of Ava, passed away at 5:55 p.m.on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born on July 14, 1958, to Walter “Bud” Chitwood and JoAnn (Rider) Williamson in Christopher, IL. He married Elizabeth Poe and she survives.

Thomas is survived by his mother, JoAnn Williamson; wife, Elizabeth Chitwood; two children, Tammy Bohn and Thomas Chitwood, Jr; a brother, Bobby Chitwood; two sisters, Carolina Murphy and Anita Drury; five grandchildren, Cortney, Trevor, Cody, Maddie and Abby; two great-grandchild, Wyatt and Oaklynn; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter “Bud” Chitwood and one grandson, Bradley Chitwood.

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

Per Thomas’ wishes cremation will take place.

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

David C. Smothers – Marion, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL)

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News