James Andrew McDonnough, 41, formerly of DuQuoin passed away July 13, 2017.  James was born to Tim McDonnough and Cheryl (Pulke) McDonnough on April 11, 1976.  He married Dana (Miller) McDonnough on June 12, 2010. 

He graduated from DuQuoin High School in 1994 and graduated from SIU-C with a Bachelors Degree in Photo Journalism in 2010.  He served in the Army and National Guard for nearly 20 years, completing 2 tours of duty in Iraq and 2 tours of duty in Afghanistan as well as being stationed in various locations throughout the world.

James is survived by twin sons, Logan James and Joel Andrew McDonnough of Sesser, and their mother, Dana McDonnough of Sesser.  He is also survived by his mother, Cheryl of Pinckneyville, and his father, Tim (Lori) of Centralia, step brothers Chad (Sarah Fae) Stuehlmeyer of Mt.Vernon and Jered (Linda) Stuehlmeyer of Centralia, and step sister Amber (Spencer) Marcum of Centralia.

Visitation for James McDonnough will be Wednesday, July 19, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

Burial will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery near Pinckneyville.

The family requests that no flowers or other items be sent.  If you wish to memorialize James, please do so by giving to his children’s education fund, payable to Dana McDonnough. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Harvey E. Medley, 77, of Christopher ended his journey on earth on Sunday July 16, 2017 at 9:00 AM.

He was born in the UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort on January 31, 1940 to William and Marie (Ponder) Medley.

He graduated from Christopher High School in 1957 and married Janet (Mystrie) Medley on July 5, 1961 and she preceded him in death on October 24, 2007.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet, father William Medley, mother Marie (Ponder) Medley Cook, step-father Wallace Cook, step-mother Ethel Loraine Medley, one son Tony Medley, two sisters Bernice Edwards and Judy Medley. He is survived by his son Keith (Glenda) Medley of Benton; brother Rick (Judy) Cook of Christopher; a sister Kay of Florida; granddaughter Savannah (David) Wynn Davis of Zeigler, Grandson Josh (Rachel) Sisney of Mulkeytown; neice Katie (Matt) Guymon of St Louis, MO; nephew John (Keisha) Cook of Christopher; 3 great grandsons; 2 great granddaughters; and 2 great nieces.

After serving his country in the US army in Korea, he was hired by the Zeigler/Old Ben Coal Company, working at Old Ben # 24 and # 21, from 1967-1984 and for the American Coal Company from 1984-1995. He was a very thoughtful, caring, and unselfish person and had trouble saying the word “NO.”

He loved music and looked forward to going to the dances each week (trading in his white cap and sneakers for cowboy boots and a cowboy hat) with his long-time friend and care-giver “Liz” (Libby) Sanders of West Frankfort. “Tunica Harv” will be missed by so many- “all the regulars” that met at the Maid Rite for coffee each morning; the “Class of 1957 Reunion Committee”; friendships that will be everlasting.

He never saw a stranger; and made a lasting impression on everyone he met. A friend he has known for only a few years said after meeting him – “To know him is to love him.” His family and friends have lost a devoted “Dad”, “Brother”, grandfather “Poppy”; uncle, best friend, good neighbor, and loving, devoted companion.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday July 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Alana Conley Day, 70, of Benton passed away Friday morning, July 14, 2017 at her home.

She was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on October 20, 1946, the daughter of Charles & Alene (Storey) Burwell.

Alana married James W. Day on June 12, 1993, and he preceded her in death on March 13, 2017.

Alana owned and operated the Sun Tan Shack in Benton for over 30 years. She was an active member of the West City Church of God.

She is survived by her son, Heath Conley and wife Becky of Benton; and her two grandchildren; Madison and Grayson Conley of Eldorado, as well as their mother, Candida (Smith) Payne of Eldorado.  She is also survived by her sister, Teri Rice and husband Chunk of West City, her stepson Ode Day, and her beloved co-workers.  She is preceded in death by her parents and husband. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 18th at the West City Church of God with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday at the Church.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

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

Sharon Lee Webster, 70, of Christopher IL,  passed away on Thursday July 13, 2017 at the Herrin Hospital.

Sharon was born on March 20, 1947 in Keene, NH to Clayton and Beverly (Matson) Gray.

She is survived by her mother Beverly Gray of Whiting, NJ; children Brandon and Bobbi Webster of Christopher, Kurt Webster of Murphysboro, Corbin and Wendy Webster of Marsailes, IL, Spencer and Gillian of Windbey Island, WA; grandchildren Aubrey, Emma, Isabella, Jessey, Shannon, Pierson, Meaghan, Mckenzie, Mcneil, Taylor, Christopher, Daniel; one brother Stephen Gray of New Jersey, and one sister Linda Goodnow of Frisco, TX.

Visitation for Sharon will be on Saturday July 22, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Thomas L. (Tommy Lynn) Clinton, beloved husband of Peggy and son of Jeanette Clinton, passed away recently in Elgin, IL.  He was a resident of Benton.

He is survived by his two sons, Richard and Russell, and was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren Brandy, Carolyn, Russell, Andrew and Stephanie.

Visitation Thursday July 13^th from 6-8pm at the Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S Main St Benton

Graveside services will be on Friday July 14^th at 10 a.m., at Shiloh Cemetery, east of Ewing.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, or the First Baptist Church of Marion are greatly appreciated.

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

 

 

 

 

James Walter Prather, 90, of Christopher IL, passed away on July 11, 2017 at the Stonbridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

He was born on July 17, 1926 in Mulkeytown to James Benjamin and Lillie Irene (Hall) Prather. He married Lillie (Follis) Prather on August 28, 1948 and she preceded him in death on July 21, 2016.

Survivors include his children Tammy and Gary Cornaglia of Christopher, Kimberly and James Hanks of Harrisburg, and Robin and Larry Smith of Christopher; 7 Grandchildren Robbie (Laura) Prather, Carrie (Kip) Davis, Joshua (Sarah) Smith, Kaley Smith, Zachary Hanks, Brian (April) Hanks, and Addie Hanks; six Great grandchildren Riley Davis, Zane Davis, Jett Davis, Lex Davis, Christopher Prather, Caleb Prather; two sisters Mary Ramsey of West Frankfort, Margaret Potocki of Hillsboro; two brothers John Prather of Christopher and Ross Prather of Arizona and a former sister-in-law Jeris Hackle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son James Walter Prather II, and one brother Charles Prather.

He was a Navy veteran during World War II.

He was a coal miner and a member of the UMWA, American Legion, and the Masonic Lodge.

A Memorial Service will be on Sunday July 16, 2017 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday July 16, 2017 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Charles Lawrence, 85, of Valier passed away on Monday July 10, 2017 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on October 25, 1931 in Cypress, IL to Charlie and Grace (Adams) Lawrence. He married Isabelle (Puttkammer) Lawrence and she preceded him in death.

Survivors include a son Chuck Lawrence of Benton; daughter Debra Lawrence Wilson of West Frankfort; three grandchildren Heather, Monica, and Isabella; three great grandchildren Devin, Libby, and Daphne.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

His wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life service to be conducted at a later date.

To view a full obituary visit our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Jo Ellen Overturf, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin.

Jo Ellen was born on January 7, 1950 in Christopher, IL the daughter of Joseph Kearney and Margaret (Kirk) Kearney.   She worked for many years as a housekeeper at Franklin Hospital and other healthcare facilities.

She enjoyed yard sales, spending time with her family, especially spending time with her grandchildren. Jo Ellen was a member of the Thompsonville Church of God.

She is survived by her four children: Mary Milam and husband Rick of Benton, IL, Edward Overturf and wife Tiona of Jonesboro, AR, Betty Cook and husband David of Benton, IL, Joseph Overturf of Jonesboro, AR; thirteen grandchildren: Ryan Milam, Erica Milam, Daniel Milam, Donovan Overturf, Dustyn Overturf, Chasity Overturf, Brandon Cook, Joseph Cook, Jacob Cook, Caitlyn Cook, Beth Reynolds, Joseph Overturf, Sidney Overturf; one great-grandchild; a sister Peggy Huffine and husband Roy of Thompsonville, IL, two brothers Jim Kearney of Benton, Joe Kearney and wife Leni of West Frankfort; and two nephews Taylor and Caleb Kearney.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Brian Mixon officiating.  Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery near Akin.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Jo Ellen Overturf to assist with her funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Georgia Ann Hosick, 84, of Du Quoin, formerly of Benton IL, passed away at 7:20 p.m., on Monday, July 3, 2017 at the Carbondale Memorial Hospital.  

She was born on August 17, 1932, to George and Cora (Mott) Works in Clinton, IL. Georgia was a retired nurse. On November 3, 1951, she married Clarence Hosick and he proceeded her in death.

Georgia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.  She loved puzzles, crosswords. and watching game shows.

Georgia is survived by her children, Carolyn Coby, Harold (Debbie) Hosick, Jimmy (Myra) Hosick, Kathy (Robert) Wininger; five sisters, Dorris, Rosie, Faye (Mauel), Dixie (Ronnie) and  Suzie; twelve grandchildren, Ed Tinervan, Mike Tinervan, Dana Cain, Robert (Alora) Wininger, Stacy (Mike) Proctor, Jason Hosick, Carl (Stephanie) Hosick, Brandy (Bill) Basenberg, Kelsey Hosick, Amanda (Chris) Smith, Josh (Ashley) Hosick, Jessica (Matt) Hayes; 33 great-grandchildren, Alex (Kevin) Kotlarsz, Spencer (Duncan) Cain, Mariah (Jason) Dashley, Samuel, Elijah and Hannah Proctor, Brittany, Shante’, Robert and Pepper Wininger, Kaleb and McKenne Hosick, Alex and Meeka Shepard, Tre’, Trinity Hosick, Logan, Ally, Collin, Andrew, C.J. and Nephi Smith, Hailey, Noah and Makayla Hosick, Avery, Aiden, Mauro and Hailey Hayes; Haylee, Nick, Noah and Devin Basenberg; four great-great-grandchildren, Autumn, Jude, Zander and Noah Dashley. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Cora Bell Works; husband, Clarence Hosick; two children, Carl Hosick and Paula Hosick;  two sisters, Lena and Betty, and a brother, Charles.  

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

Visitation will be held Friday, July 7, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.     

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Rod Joplin, officiating.

Memorials contributions may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Angeline Donosky Cushman, age 94, of Peoria IL,  and formerly of Benton IL, passed away at 2:09 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2017 at her home in Peoria. .

Mrs. Cushman was born on May 21, 1923 in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Theodore Donosky and Dafina (Andreoff) Donosky.  She married Lewis Cushman on August 15, 1943. Together they shared 60 years of marriage together, until Lewis preceded her in death on February 1, 2004.

She along with her late husband owned and operated the Benton Baking Company, until her retirement in 1987.

Mrs. Cushman was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, where she was actively involved in the many lady’s ministries of the church, until she moved with family to Peoria.  She was also a member of the Benton Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi and the Rend Lake Investment Club.

Angeline is survived by her three daughters: Janis and husband Joe Bellamy of Peoria, IL, Connie and husband Ed Peterson of Kingston, IL, Julie Cushman of Conroe, TX; five grandchildren: Joseph Bellamy of Minneapolis, MN, Joshua Bellamy of Peoria, IL, Eric Peterson, Louisville, KY, Chad Peterson, Kingston, IL, Lori Castro of Mount Prospect, IL; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother Dr. James T. Donosky, a sister Lucille Harvatin, beloved cousins, and a nephew Dr. Ted Donosky.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Benton with Rev. Jack Wolfe, Rev. Lee Lovett, and Chaplain Bill Cordes officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church of Benton.  Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton or to Transitions Hospice of Central, IL.

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