Isham Morgan Harrison – Christopher, IL

Isham Morgan Harrison, 86, of Christopher passed away on Tuesday January 2, 2018 at Helia Healthcare in Benton. He was born on July 1, 1931 in Christopher to Dayton Logan and Ester Ann (Clayton) Harrison.

He married Mary Lou (Russell) Harrison on November 12, 1961 and she survives of Christopher. He is also survived by two children Mary Ann (Mike) Patchett of Christopher and Thomas (Kendra) Harrison of Christopher; five grandchildren Samantha (Levi) Webb, Tiffanie (Dustin) Young, Morgan (Max) Garrison, Christopher Harrison, and Kaci Harrison; four great grandchildren Kase Michael Young, Korbin Ray Young, Lynnex Marie Webb, and Jackson Logan Webb. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean conflict.

Funeral services will be on Thursday January 4, 2018 at 7 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Isham Morgan Harrison – Christopher

Isham Morgan Harrison, 86, of Christopher IL, passed away on Tuesday January 2, 2018 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on July 1, 1931 in Christopher to Dayton Logan and Ester Ann (Clayton) Harrison. 

He married Mary Lou (Russell) Harrison on November 12, 1961 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by two children Mary Ann (Mike) Patchett of Christopher and Thomas (Kendra) Harrison of Christopher; five grandchildren Samantha (Levi) Webb, Tiffanie (Dustin) Young, Morgan (Max) Garrison, Christopher Harrison, and Kaci Harrison; four great grandchildren Kase Michael Young, Korbin Ray Young, Lynnex Marie Webb, and Jackson Logan Webb.

He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean conflict.

Funeral services will be on Thursday January 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Terry K. Little – Benton, IL

Terry K. Little, 57, of Benton, born October 30, 1960 in Carlinville, IL., passed away at 7:52 a.m., on Monday, January 1, 2018, at his residence.

Mr. Little was a self employed handy man.  Terry was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He enjoyed music, watching comedies and going fishing.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, G. Dewey and Shirley V. (Morgan) Little; brothers and sisters, Beverley (Ralph) Roach, Jamie Little, Lyndal Little, Loretta Little, Tonia Stromatt, Mac Little, Blaine Little and Judy Dewar.

Surviving are his wife, Juanita Little; children, Tyler (Joshua) Little-Rogers, Erin (John Kaufman) Seddon, Wesley (Vicki) Sargent, Michelle Eubanks, Amos (Jamie Carney) Beasley, Melissa Beasley; grandchildren, Emilia Seddon, Kaylee Beasley, Imn Beasley, Aiden Beasley, Brayden Beasley, Grace Beasley, Brett Eubanks, Mariah Eubanks, Sebastian Barnfield, Austin Barnfield, Matthew Woods, Rybka Sargent, Amber Sargent; sisters and brothers, Carol Jasper, Tammy (Jeff) Sander, Janet (Glenn) Lohmann, Lance (Debbie) Little, and Kim “Joe” Little; also surviving many other family members.

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

Per his wishes cremation was held.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home in care of funeral expenses.

Online condolences may be made at www.patefh.com

Carl Thomas – Elkville

Carl Gene Thomas, age 47, of Elkville; passed away at 10:10 a.m. Monday, January 1, 2018 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Charles Okimosh officiating.  Burial will be in the Denning Cemetery of Orient.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Carl Gene Thomas was born on December 24, 1970 in West Frankfort, the son of Steve Edward Wilcox and Neva Bryant. He married the former Billie Jo Humphrey on July 2, 2016, and she survives.

He enjoyed camping, bon-fires, cookouts, and spending time with family, especially with his grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife Billie Thomas of Elkville; his mother and step-father Neva and Charles Okimosh, of Truman, AR; his two sons: Johnathan Thomas of West Frankfort, Justin Thomas of Benton; a step-son Donnie Blair of West Frankfort; a step-daughter Marriah Barnett of Christopher; three grandchildren: Eli, Kaiden and Zander; and his step-granddaughter Ember; one brother Stephen Thomas of West Frankfort, two sisters: Donna Thompson of Elkville, Connie Aud of West Frankfort; a half-sister Stephanie Wilcox of Michigan City, IN; an uncle Eberett Bryant of Thompsonville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; father-in-law and mother-in-law; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the Leffler Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Carl, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Venita Kern – Whittington

Venita F. Kern, 93, of Whittington passed away Sunday night, December 31, 2017 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Whittington, IL on September 18, 1924, the daughter of William C. & Iva (McCann) Baxter.

She married Edgar Griffen on April 3, 1948, and he died on August 28, 1963. She then married Etherd Kern on May 29, 1970, and he died on April 9, 1980.

Mrs. Kern had worked as a cook at Whittington Grade School for several years.  She worked at Burton’s Cafe for many years and managed the cafe for a couple of those years. Then she retired from the Dietary Department at Franklin Hospital.

Mrs. Kern was a faithful member of the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church since 1938, and served as church Treasurer for several of those years.  She also worked the at the Tuesday School at Rescue since it began.

She is survived by her niece Loma Baxter of Whittington, great niece Traci Kelley and husband Marty of Whittington, three great-great nephews, Daylon, Jace and Lane Kelley; step-sister Barbara Lemons of Mt. Vernon; step-daugter Melba Unitis and husband Edward of Huntersville, NC; and step-niece Cindy Wisniewski.

Mrs. Kern was preceded in death by her Parents, Husbands, by a Brother-Charles W. Baxter, by a Sister and Brother-in-law-Wanda Lee and Victor Crowder;  and by a nephew, Charles M. Baxter.

Funeral servicves will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 7, 2018 at the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church in Whittington with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Saturday at the Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, and after 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the Church.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

JoAnn Mullen – Benton

JoAnn Mullen, 80, of Benton passed away Saturday morning, December 30, 2017 at her home.

She was born in Carrier Mills, IL on November 24, 1937, the daughter of Joe & Arzella (Barger) Thornton.

She married Virgil Mullen on June 9, 1957 in Joliet, IL, and he survives.

Along with her husband they formerly owned and operated the Benton Bowl and Rend Lake Storage. She was a Faithful member of Grace Awakening Church.

Along with her husband, she is survived by her three children Dave Mullen and wife Janie of Janesville, WI,  Cindy Faulkner and husband Carley of Benton, and Arlena Baier & husband Max of Valier  her grandchildren: Natalie, Kyle, Cassie, Jessica, Andy, Art, Angela Rebecca and Jon Great-Grandchildren: Aidan, Virgil, Sophia, Arlena, Karley, William

She is also survived by her two sisters, Delores and Georgia, one step-sister Anita, and two step brothers Dow and Jack, and lots of loving relatives.

Mrs. Mullen was preceded in death by her Parents, by her step-mother-Francis Thornton, by a Son-Norman Ray, by a grandson, Nathan and by a brother, Ray.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Ken Petty officiating. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to the Family to assist with expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Norah Jane Gariepy – Benton, IL

Norah Jane Gariepy, “Miss Jane”, 78, of Benton IL, passed away at 11:25 p.m., on  December 30, 2017, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY.

She was born on July 18, 1939, to Stanley and Geneva (Williams) Pemberton. Norah Jane married Robert Dean Gariepy on June 22, 1963. They lived their 54 years of married life in Benton, IL.

Norah Jane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She took pride in her children and grandchildren. She supported them in sports, extra curricular activities, and life.

Norah Jane started her career at Lincoln Grade School as a first grade teacher after graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her passion for education lead her to help start the EMH Program at Benton Consolidated High School.

Miss Jane was the owner and operator of Miss Jane’s Jack and Jill Nursery School. She was very loving and had a passion for helping build children’s learning foundations for future success. Her motto was “Education begins with love.” Norah Jane always loved seeing prior students, hearing of their success, and watching them grow into fine adults.

Norah Jane is survived by her loving husband Robert, two daughters, Lisa Gariepy of Benton, IL and Suzanne (Michael) McGuire of Benton, IL; one son, Stephen (Cathy Creed) Gariepy of Murphysboro, IL; several grandchildren, Rachel Miller of St. Louis, MO, Madison McGuire of Champaign, IL, Everett Gariepy of Murphysboro, IL, Landyn McGuire of Benton, IL,  Andrea Miller of Benton, IL,  and Haighdyn McGuire of Benton, IL; one sister, Diann (Robert) Keith of Benton, IL; and one sister-in-law, Kindra Pemberton of Macedonia, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Geneva  Pemberton, and one brother, John Pemberton.

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

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, from  5:00 p.m. to  8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating.

Burial will take place following services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lillian Newell – Sesser

Lillian “Irene” Newell, 91, of Sesser passed away on Friday December 29, 2017 at 1:30 PM at her home. She was born December 28, 1926 in Sesser to William and Alma (LeVault) Reiger. 

She married Maxey Newell in 1949 and he preceded her in death on November 3, 1997. She is survived by one sister Dorothy (Ken) Lipe of Sesser; one brother Lonnie Reiger of Benton; five children Kaylia Breedlove of Downers Grove, IL, Karla Young of Mulkeytown, Tony (Nancy) Newell of Peoria, AZ, Kitty (Terry) Transue of Grayland, WA, and Mary Reynolds of Sesser; 10 grandchildren Johnna Young, Joey Davis, Toni Joiner, Mary Lynn Newell, Amy Davis, Earl Young, Jamie Newell, Terry Transue II, Kelly Breedlove, Ricky Transue; one step grandchild Becky Reynolds Harris; 12 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by her family. 

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of her life. Irene worked at Tricon Industries in Downers Grove, IL and Norge Maytag in Herrin, IL

 She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons-in-law Roy Breedlove, Earl Young, and Larry Reynolds, two grandchildren Kelly Breedlove and Earl Young Jr. and ten brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be on Monday January 1, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Miller officiating.   Visitation will be on Monday January 1, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, please visit our website, http://www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com/

Leslie Trone – Benton

Leslie O. Trone, 75, of Benton passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. Trone was born on July 26, 1942  in Schuyler County, Illinois the son of Orville E. & Freida (Settles) Trone. He married Janice Trone on February 7, 1997 in Benton, IL and she survives.

Mr. Trone retired from GTE. He was also an Army Vietnam Veteran.

He is survived by his wife Janice Trone, hias, children; Mark Trone,  Randy Trone and wife Shanna, Brad Trone, Pamela Gagnon and husband Erik, Richard Kulich & wife Kortena.

He is also survived by nine grandchildren, three sisters, Marilyn O’Malley, Sharon Layne, and Joyce Booton, two brothers, David Bryant, and Gary Trone.

He was preceded in death by his Parents and by a Brother-Larry Bryant.

Funeral services will be held on 1:30 P.M. Sunday, December 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Steve Shotts officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts and the National Guard Honor Squad will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11:30 A.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

 

Helen Alfoldy – Buckner

Helen Alfoldy, 95, of Buckner passed away on Thursday December 28, 2017 at 3:36 PM at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

She was born on September 29, 1922 in Huntersdon, OH to Alexander and Lena (Miller) Alfoldy.

She is survived by her three sisters Flora Alfoldy of Buckner, Sister Janice Alfoldy of Benton, and Margaret Murphy of Florida; two brothers Alex Alfoldy of California and Eugene Alfoldy of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Elsie Lake and one brother John Alfoldy.

She was a clerk at Montgomery Ward in Chicago for many years.  She was also a member of the St Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday January 5, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday January 5, 2018 from 9:00 Am until 11:00 AM at the church.  Burial will be at St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News