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

Anthony “Tony” L. South, 66, of Christopher IL, passed away on June 30, 2017 at 4:12 AM at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on June 8, 1951 to Andrew Jacob and Marie Rosalee (Marten) South.  He married Malissa (Wiggs) South on December 20, 1991 and she survives of Christopher.

He was a concrete finisher.

Survivors include a daughter Lucille and Adam Anderson of Herrin; one son Robert Aaron Bradley of Christopher; granddaughter Brinley and a sister Rose Marie South of Christopher.

Tony’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

Helen M. Corn, 101, of Macedonia, passed away at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center. 

She was born on August 30, 1915, to Tony and Anna (Petroski) Adams in West Frankfort, IL. Helen married Carl Corn and he precedes her in death.

She was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Helen was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. In her free time she enjoyed gardening and doing puzzle books. 

Helen is survived by her three sons, Mike Corn of Benton, IL, Dennis (Patsy) Corn of Benton, IL, Kenneth (Tonya) Corn of Macedonia, IL; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl Corn; one daughter, Dorothy Lagioia, her parents, Tony and Anna Adams; two brothers, Michael Adams and Tony Adams; and one sister, Mary Gardzulis.

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

Graveside services will be held on June 30, 2017, at 2:15 p.m., at Brady Cemetery, with the Father Urban Osuji officiating. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to Brady Cemetery, and will be accepted at the funeral home. 

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

  

 

Vera Fay DeMattei, 84, of Mt. Vernon IL, and a former Benton resident,  passed away Monday evening June 26, 2017 at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born January 18, 1933, in West Frankfort, IL the daughter of Fay & Alice Adeline (Schram) Austin.

 She married William “Chick” DeMattei on October 29, 1977 and he preceded her in death on August 11, 2016.

She put her family first, she loved her kids and grandkids.

Mrs. DeMattei is survived by her four children; Paula Rentfro and husband Garry of Lebanon, TN,  Janis Strickland & husband Steve of Mt. Vernon, Terry DeMattei and wife Debby of Clayton, NC, and Scott DeMattei  and wife Marilyn of Zanesville, OH.

She is survived by Grandchildren Jimmy Wells, Anna Rentfro, Jeff Rentfro, Lisa Rollins, James David Rentfro, Amber Smith, Stephen Strickland, Brook Dickneite, Mason Williams, Andrea Williams, Shannon French, Rachel Leaptrot, Ashley Herbert, Chad DeMattei, Erika Adornett, Abbie Poe, Adam Hooper and Katie Hooper. 

She also leaves behind 32  Great-Grandchildren, one sister, Deloris Bennett of Benton along with several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. DeMattei was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, by a Daughter-Rhea Eva Odom & by a Granddaughter-Alicen Wells.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 1st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Alan Newman officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to the Logan Street Baptist Church Building Fund. For more information, or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

 

 

Nancy Lynn Cockrum, 66, of Benton went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at 6:15 A.M. at her home surrounded by family and a special friend.

Nancy was born February 13, 1951 in Christopher, IL to George and Elouise Wilson.

Nancy attended Whittington Grade School and Benton Community High School where she graduated with the class of 1969.

In 1970, Nancy met the love of her life, Cliff Cockrum and began their racing life together traveling the United States. In 1974, upon the completion of Rend Lake, Nancy and Cliff would begin maintenance and care of the lake that would continue for the next 25 years.

Nancy was also a bookkeeper for the many businesses they owned and operated including Lewis Cards and Gifts, Cliff’s City Trash Service, Cockrum Bus Service, and Heritage Trailer Manufacturing. Later in life, Nancy served as a special election judge and Franklin County Public Administrator. Nancy’s life passion was following the racing lives of Cliff, Brian and Shane.

Nancy leaves behind to celebrate her life one son, City of Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum and wife Billie Jo, granddaughters, Macie and Kylie Cockrum, along with soon to be new arrival Kamie Cockrum. Two step-daughters, Diana Mullins and Jolene (Chris) Dixon. One step-son Dennis Cockrum. Grandchildren Kimberly (Nathan) DeSett, Hannah Cockrum, Travis Mullins, and Kristin Cockrum. Also eight great-grandchildren. Sister Sally Revis, two sister-in-laws, Cathy Wilson and Donna Cockrum, and several special nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a special friend, Glenda Pool.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Step-son Brian Cockrum, Brother Sheriff Bill Wilson, borther-in-laws-Robert and Jesse Cockrum, and one nephew Mike Wilson.

Funeral services for Mrs. Cockrum will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 28th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Jewell Irene Norman, 98, of Benton IL, passed away at 11:41 p.m., on June 21, 2017, at Stonebridge Senior Living Center.

She was born on May 29, 1919, to Walter and Elizabeth (Maniger) Caraker in Union County, IL. On September 20, 1936, she married Vernie Norman.  Jewell and Vernie lived in Benton, IL.  Jewell was a loving mother and grandmother.  She was loved by many and was frequently referred to as Maw Maw Jewell from the children she previously cared for at her day care.  
 
Jewell is survived by two daughters, Susan (Randy) Haithcoat of Benton, IL. and Patty (David) Cunningham of Greenville, IL.; four sons, Tim (Melanie) Norman of Benton, IL., Jim Norman of Benton, IL., Mike (Nancy) Norman of Danville, IL., and Steve (Barbara) Norman of Gulf Shores, AL.; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. 
 
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Vernie Norman; her parents, Walter and Elizabeth Caraker; a granddaughter, Sara Cunningham; and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Norman. 
 
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 24, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
    
Funeral services will follow visitation at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Lloyd Whittaker officiating.
 
Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to Stonebridge Senior Living Center or Celtic Hospice, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

Julia Williams, 69, of Sesser IL,  passed away on Thursday June 22, 2017 at her home.

She was born on September 25, 1947 in Greenville, KY, to Lee Roy and Stella (Evans) Kirtley.  She married Dan Williams and he preceded her in death on April 22, 2007.

She is survived by two daughters Amy Lynn and Andy Julian of Olney and Jody Williams of Sesser; two grandchildren Gracie Julian and Brooks Julian; three sisters Nancy and Bob Geppert of Highland, Sara and Bob Martin of St Louis, MO, and Martha and Joe Minniti of Lisle, IL; one brother David and Melissa Kirtley of St Louis, MO, also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister Mary Kirtley.

Funeral service will be on Sunday June 25, 2017 at 1:30 PM at the Jesus Center in Sesser (First Christian Church) with Rev. Kirk Packer officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday June 24, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Southern Illinois Christian Service Camp in West Frankfort, IL or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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