Norma J. Gilbert, 84, of Christopher, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away Feb. 21, 2015 at Countryside Manor, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Norma was born Nov. 11, 1930 in Scheller, the daughter of Archie Hicks and Beulah (Ford) Hicks.

She was a homemaker and a member of Christopher Church of Christ. Norma was a great cook and liked to feed people.

Norma married Kenneth Gilbert and he preceded her in death on Feb. 20, 1980.

She is survived by her children, Kathie and Randy Furlow, Christopher, IL, Sharon and Ron Gilbert, of Danville, IN, Roger and Cathy Gilbert, of Dandridge, TN, Kendrea and Mickey Johnson, Mt. Vernon, IL; daughter-in-law Pat Gilbert, of Salem, IL; grandchildren Jason Gilbert, Chad Gilbert, Adam Gilbert, Zack Gilbert, Amelia Clark, Alicia Furlow, Bryan Furlow, Kristin Atchison, Gilbert Johnson, Yvette Johnson, Doug Rhea, Joe Rhea, Jonathan Rhea; great-grandchildren Ashley Gilbert, Natasha Gilbert, Ava Gilbert, Tyler Gilbert, Josh Gilbert, Julia Gilbert, Jaqueline Gilbert, Aubrey Clark, Gregory Clark, Kenny Clark, Sydney Atchison, Sawyer Atchison, Macie Furlow, Cheyanne Rhea, Savanna Rhea, Will Rhea, Madison Rhea and Lily Rhea.

Norma is also survived by two sisters, Janet and Bill Kesler, Christopher, IL and Karen Winget, of Scheller and one brother, Ronnie Hicks, of Scheller, IL; two sisters-in-law Marilyn Hicks, Tamaroa, IL and Betty Hicks, of Steelville, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Rodney Gilbert, three brothers Delmar Hicks, Jesse Frank Hicks and William Hicks.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Knob Prairie Cemetery, located north of Waltonville. Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Nada Darlene (Gray) Thompson, 62 passed away on February 16, 2015 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma.

Nada was born on August 10, 1952 to Malcolm and Eunice (Winget) Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Charles Gray and Del Gray.

She is survived by two daughters Angela Perry and her husband David Perry of Nashville, TN, and Rachel Sisney and her husband Joshua Sisney of Mulkeytown. Nada also had four grandchildren Anthony, Makayla, Mallory and Simon.

Angie and Rachel would like to say thank you to their extended family, Pam Thompson and Melissa Nettles for being there and taking care of their mother during her time of need.

Funeral services will be on Sunday February 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday February 22, 2015 from noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Ronald Joiner, 74, passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at his home in Benton, IL.  Shortly before his death, he took one last trip with his son around Rend Lake. Laughter filled his home as he reminisced with family and friends about the “good old days.” Most importantly, he said his last “I love yous” to those he cherished most.

Born January 20, 1941, to Brown and Memmeth Joiner, Ron was one of five children.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Wayne (Brenda) Joiner, and sister, Cleona (Donald) Lance.  Inevitably, a fishing tournament and card game began upon his arrival to Heaven.  He will be greatly missed by sister, Carolyn (Dave) Pedigo, and brother, Donald (Paula) Joiner.

On July 11, 1959, he married Linda (Stritzel) Joiner. Together, they raised three children: June (Jim) Zinck, Richard Joiner, and Kevin (Regina) Joiner.  His children were fortunate to have a Dad who could fix most any car, who was never too old to ride a dirt bike, and an avid follower at each football game.  He went on to welcome four grandchildren:  Jamie and Joshua Zinck, and Ashley (Phillip) Lyell and Lindi (Andrew) Webber.  His grandchildren remember a Grandpa who made “looking for deer” an adventure, peanut butter a food group, and in his late 50’s, proved to be not too old to skateboard or roller skate.  Most recently, he was thrilled to have met and held his new great-grandson, Grayson Webber.

On January 19, 2003, he married Jo Ann (Hall) Joiner.  In this union, Ron was blessed in adding Jo Ann’s three sons to his family: Steve (Linda) Brown , Kevin (Laura) Brown, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Brown.  He was honored to be naturally welcomed as family, and became Grandpa to, Natalie, Kris, Dusten, Jessica, Kelsea, Jonathan, Brandtlee, Elissa and great grandchildren Katlyn, Jailyn and Lily Grace.

Ron was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of West City and a proud member of United Mine Workers of America, retiring as a coal miner from Old Ben Mine 21 in Sesser.

Due to health complications in recent years, Ron was undoubtedly thankful to have been in the care of incredible doctors and nurses. The family would like to recognize Dr. William Hayes, Dr. Chen, and Dr. Chong.  Ron loved his “girls at Davita”, and valued his visits with Bi-County Health nurses.  He could always count on Ike Crnokrak for a ride to any doctor or hospital in the Midwest and Brother Bert Mitchell for spiritual peace. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of West City.

Friends may celebrate a life well-lived on Saturday, February 21 , from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brayfield- Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Hammond Cemetery with Brother Burt Mitchell officiating.

Gale Lee Lyell, 67, of Benton, IL passed away Feb. 16, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Health Care, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on Feb. 25, 1947 at Christopher, IL, the daughter of Ralph C. DuFour, Sr. and Alice (Kirkpatrick) DuFour, who both preceded her in death.

Gale was a homemaker.

She is survived by children, Starla Grizzell, Elkville and Ann Flowers, Christopher; grandchildren Michael Flowers, Dylan Grimes, Jordan Grizzell, Zachary Lyell and Tyler Lyell; sister Diane Webb, Sesser and brother Ralph DuFour, Zeigler.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother, Timothy DuFour.

A memorial service will be held on Friday February 20, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL with burial in Zeigler Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the family to help with expenses. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Steve Camden, 57 passed away February 14, 2015 at his home.

Steve was born to Irvin and Dorothy (Buckner) Camden.

He is survived by his wife Debbie Camden of Benton and his mother of Benton. They had two children Lisa and Thad Logsdon of Sesser and Stephen Bryan and Mandy Camden of Sesser. Grandchildren Brian, Chelsea, Tori, Beau, Dalton, Dylan. Two brothers Barry and Thea Camden of Dahlgren and Kenny Camden of Benton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Father.

He was a member of the Stormrider’s and was known as Tin Man. He was also a member of the UMWA and was retired from CONSOL mine. He was a Veteran of the Army.

He loved riding his Harley and spending time with family and friends, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends and all that loved him. Especially his little buddy Rocky.

His wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial service will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday February 19, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the service at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

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

Randall J. Harp, 60, of Christopher, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at his mother’s home.

Randy was born June 19, 1950 in Christopher, Il, the son of Darrell Joel Harp and Wilma Jean (Hammonds) Ogilvie, of Christopher.

Randy was a carpenter.

He is survived by one brother, Mark and Rhonda Harp, of Pontoon Beach, IL and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The family held a private funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Naomi M. Wilkerson, 87, of Benton, passed away Feb. 10, 2015 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on July 30, 1927, the daughter of Everett and Allie (Midyette) Dawson.

She married Ezra Wilkerson on Oct. 28, 1944, and he preceded her in death on March 29, 1999.

Mrs. Wilkerson first worked at General Electric, then Sangamo Electric and also at several sewing factories. She enjoyed cleaning houses for people until she was 80 years old.

Mrs. Wilkerson was a member of the Christopher Church of Christ.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda Roberson, of Benton, and one son, Mike and Teri Wilkerson, of Benton; five grandchildren, Luke Roberson and fiancee Samantha, of Sunray, TX, Courtney Roberson, Morton, MS, Corey Wilkerson, of Benton, Drake Lebrun, of Benton, Jacob Wilkerson, of Benton; sister Ruth Whitlow, of Kankakee and brother Glenn Dawson, of Thompsonville.

Mrs. Wilkerson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a son-in-law Mike Roberson and by five brothers, Gale, Glenn, Seldon, Evan and Ivan Dawson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with George Marshall officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Elwanda Dalton Lockin, 88, of Benton, passed away Thursday morning Feb. 12, 2015 in Benton.

She was born in Paducah, KY on April 4, 1926, the daughter of Edward Carl and Rose Helen (Ryan) Dalton.

She married George William “Bill” Lockin on August 21, 1949.

Mrs. Lockin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Mrs. Lockin was a operating room nurse at Miner’s Hospital in Christopher and then later was office nurse for Dr. J.P. Durham.

Mrs. Lockin is survived by her husband, George William “Bill” Lockin, of Benton; three children, David Lockin and wife Jennie, of Lilburn, GA, Karen Bachus, of Marietta, GA and Jane Hutson and husband John, of Brentwood, TN.

Also surviving are six grandchildren, Matthew Lockin, of Phoenix, AZ, Jonathan Lockin, of Statesboro, GA, Avery Bachus, of Marietta, GA, Meredith Dixon, of Marietta, GA, Madelyn Hutson, Brentwood, TN and Kathryn Hutson, Brentwood, TN; three great-grandchildren, Savannah, Scarlett and Ozzy.

Mrs. Lockin was preceded in death by her parents, by a brother, Robert Dalton and by three sisters, Geneva, Glenn and Ruth.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 16 at First United Methodist Church in Benton, with Pastor Shane Smith and Jim Muir officiating. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton and after 11 a.m. on Monday until the funeral hour at the church.

Kathryn Ada Lewis, 87, of Marion, IN, passed away February 7, 2015

Kathryn, formerly of Sesser, IL was a true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

She faithfully served her family as a wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister. Kathryn graduated from Sesser High School where she met her husband Leslie. L. Lewis who she followed in passing. She was also proceeded in death by her daughter, Sheryl Ann. She will be sadly missed by her loved ones: Dennis Lewis, son, June (Robert) Everling, daughter, Leslie Kay Lewis, granddaughter, Katie Everling, granddaughter, Cody Everling, grandson, Alexis Antrim, great granddaughter.

 

Kathryn was an accomplished seamstress, compassionate pianist, and charter member of Sunnycrest Baptist Church. Kathryn and her husband were local business owners for over 30 years in Marion (Marion Plywood and D & L Health Foods). She gave back to her community by helping with the Marion Easter pageant for many years.  She enjoyed rummaging, playing cards, crafts, cooking and traveling. Kathryn cherished her family and the time spent with each of one of them.

In Honor of her life, the family will be hosting a “Home Going Celebration” on February 11, 2015 at  Horse Prairie Church in Sesser, IL. Visitation starting at 12 p.m. and the funeral service at 1 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser, IL.

Special Thank You to her caregivers, Family Care Hospice, Needham Storey Funeral Home and Chaplain Don Miller.