Marjorie V. (Runnels) Long, 97, of Christopher, IL, passed away on Nov. 5, 2014 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home, in Herrin, IL.

She was born Dec. 5, 1916 in Fort Worth, TX, the daughter of Millard Runnels and Bessie (Allen) Runnels.

Marjorie married George Long and he preceded her in death.

She was a homemaker and a member of Rebeka Lodge 579 and Christ’s View Christian Church, in Christopher, IL.

Marjorie is survived by several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Millard LeRoy Long and four sisters, Mildred, Shirley, Essie and Lessie.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher.  Visitation will be on Friday November 7, 2014 from 5 p.m. until the service time at 7:30 p.m.  Burial will be on Saturday November 8, 2014 at 12:00 noon at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Richard Pickering, 84, of Sesser, IL, passed away Oct. 29, 2014 at 4:35 a.m. at Good Samaritan Regional Healthcare in Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born July 23, 1930 in West Frankfort, IL to George Pickering and Olive (Little) Pickering.

Richard was a truck driver. He attended Bear Point Free Will  Baptist Church, in Sesser, IL.  Richard was employed as a truck driver and he was an Army veteran, serving in the Korean War.

He was married to Shelby (Stowers) Pickering and she preceded him in death, he then married Betty (Rowland) Pickering and she survives of Sesser, IL

Richard is also survived by his children Christie (Gary) Caraway of Marion, IL ; Rickie McGuire of West Frankfort, IL; stepchildren Paula (William) Kirk of Sesser, IL, Martha (Greg) Wilbanks of Chadsworth, GA, Joann (Chester) Angus of Sesser, IL; grandchildren Matthew, Kyleigh, Dash, step grandchildren Angela, Brandon, Gina, Samantha, Katina, Jeremy and several nieces and nephews.

Richards was preceded in death by parents, first wife, one son and one brother George Pickering.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m.  Burial will be in Hammond Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL, is in charge of arrangements.  For more information og

Funeral Home Directing: Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home Sesser IL

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Pamela Kay (Furlow) Dunmyer, 51, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 28, 2014 at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL.

Pamela was born August 30, 1963 in Alton, IL, the daughter of Bill Furlow and Evelyn Jean (Herbert) Furlow, both of Christopher, IL.

She worked at Furlow’s Market, in Zeigler, IL and was a member of the United Methodist Church, in Benton, IL.

Pamela was married to Frank Dunmyer, of Mulkeytown, and he survives.

She is survived by her children, Brittney Boner, and Alexandra Boner, both of Christopher, IL; grandson, Nathaniel Hayes, of Christopher and brother Rodney (Karen) Furlow, of Mulkeytown, IL.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, with Brother Barry King and Brother Shane Smith officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery, in Buckner, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the United Methodist Church in Benton, IL and will be accepted at the funeral home

Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Gary L. Gullett, 75, of Benton passed away Sunday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2014 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Gary was born in Harrisburg, IL on Jan. 28, 1939, the son of Herbert and Sybil (Ward) Gullett.

Gary married Carole (Rodgers) on August 10, 1975 and she survives.

Gary was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church.  He was the former owner and operator of Immediate Cleaners in Benton.  Gary was a member of the Liars’ Club and was a Mason.

Gary is survived by his wife, Carole, of Benton, four children, Randy Gullett and wife Martha, of Kissimmee, FL, Robin Rister and husband Darrell, of Harrisburg, IL, Jami Roe and husband Brian of Harrisburg, IL, Matt Fritch and wife Rena of Metropolis; two grandchildren, Olivia and Alex and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with the Rev. Sammy Simmons, the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis and the Rev. Bill Carter officiating.  Burial will be in Sunset Lawn Cemetery in Harrisburg, IL.  Visitation will be after 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church.

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

 

Frances Vancil, 73, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 24, 2014 at her home.

Frances was born December 13, 1940 in West Frankfort, IL, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Cable) Murphy.

She was married to Donald Vancil, of Mulkeytown, IL and he survives.

Frances is survived by her children, Tina Johnson and Greg Mosley; step-children David (Chrissy) Vancil and Deanna Cornell; grandchildren Tara Johnson, Samantha (Phillip) McLaughlin, Deanna (Chris) Shreder, Brian (Julie) Mosley; great-grandchildren Brooklyn Bauer, Landyn Bauer, James Mattingly, Ava Shreder, Jacob Shreder, Mason Shreder; step grandchildren Lindsey, Trenton, Kayla and Joshua.

She is also survived by sisters and brothers, Ruth Smith, Janet Bird, Margaret Dunham, Leonard Murphy, Don Murphy; sisters-in-law Linda McVey and Connie Cox.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Thomas Murphy, nine brothers and sisters, Lawrence Murphy, “Chick” Murphy, Dan Murphy, Tim Murphy, Pat Murphy, Marilyn Murphy, Bonnie Murphy, Shirley Johnson, and Boyd Murphy

Frances was the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and neighbor. She worked tirelessly to make her family and friends happy. She was the most selfless person, giving and forgiving, and had nothing but love to give.

Her philosophy of life was to give to all who were in need and in return God would bless and provide, that was always true in her life. She was known to be a hard worker. She stayed busy from the time she got up to the end of the day. She was a coal miner at Old Ben 21 for 14 years. A job she truly loved and was proud of. She was an avid fisherman, master cook and gardener. She also loved NFL football, the World Series, and March Madness Basketball.

There are not enough words to express how much she will be greatly missed for years to come. This is truly a devastating loss to all that loved her dearly.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday October 30, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Cundiff Cemetery, in Blairsville, IL with the Rev. David Sorenson officiating.  Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit our web site at gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Linda Rae O’Dell, 67, of Christopher, passed away October 25, 2014 at Herrin Hospital, in Herrin, IL.

Linda was born April 26, 1947, in Benton, the daughter of Carlos Toney and Bertha (Armstrong) Toney.

She was a homemaker and a member of South Side Baptist Church, in Christopher, IL.

Linda married Willis Jackson O’Dell on Feb. 17, 2003 and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by children Crystal (Terry) Boner, of Herrin, IL; on grandchild, Tabatha Broy, of Freeman Spur, IL; one great-grandchild, Danielle Broy; sisters Sue Martin, of West Frankfort, IL, Ella Mae (Mike) Swanson, Bradenton, FL; nieces and nephews, Tricia (Ohman) Dick, of Christopher, IL, Tony (Rene) Martin, of Seattle, WA, Nancie (David) Klein, of St. Genevieve, MO and Mark (Linda) Mabrey, of Evansville, IN.  She is also survived by one great niece and one great nephew.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, Octobert 28, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

Ronald Leon Piper, 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away October 24, 2014 at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.

Ronald was born June 24, 1937 in Christopher, IL, the son of Charles Piper and Alta Mae (Robison) Piper.

He was an electrician all his life with IBEW local 134, he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed hunting, and he was a member of the Eagles and enjoyed dancing.

Ronald was married to Leona (Spann) Piper and she preceded him in death of March 29, 2009.

He is survived by his children, Cindy and Donnie Hammonds, of Christopher, Barry and Cindy Piper, of Athens, Alabama and Peggy Slack, of Sesser.

Also surviving are grandchildren Jason Piper, Tennessee, Barry Piper, Jr. of Benton, IL, Racheal Piper Copeland, Colorado, Michael Hammonds, Royalton, IL, Emma Hammonds, Christopher, IL, Jesse Slack, Sesser, IL; great grandchildren Dylann Piper, Tennessee and Emmitt Copeland, Colorado; brother and sister Bob and Glenna Piper, of Benton, IL and Marjorie Kelly, of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, Dwight Piper, Alfred Piper and Charles Piper.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewsi officiating.  Visitation will be on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m.  Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

Funeral Service: Monday October 27, 2014 at 1:00 P.M.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

Byford and Wastina Campbell, of Ina, passed away Friday, Oct. 17 at their home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014 at the Ina Freewill Baptist Church with Brother Bad Ryan officiating.  Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church and also after 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mr. & Mrs. Campbell’s memory to the Ina Freewill Baptist Church.

The Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.

Mathel M. Delaval 87 of Christopher, passed away at 1:10 A.M. at her daughter Jan’s home in Benton, IL on Friday October 17, 2014.  She was surrounded by her children and their families, who were expressing their love for her through words from their hearts, hugs, and kisses.

Mrs. Delaval was born on October 24, 1926 in Royalton, IL to Ralph and Gertrude Gordon.  She is survived by her husband Leon Delaval Jr. of Christopher, IL.

She is also survived by nine children Beverly Smith (Carl), Gary “Buzz” Reed (Marilyn),                        Brenda Armstrong (William), James “Deedi” Reed (Ashley), Trudie Boldery all of Benton, IL, Ralph Reed (Michelle) of Buckner, IL, Cherylle Reed of Miami, FL, Janet “Jan” Buckmaster (Richard) of Pottsboro, TX, Ida Murry (Roger) of Sesser, IL.

She is survived by 20 grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren and a great grandchild due on March 13, 2015 and she will be named after her great grandmother, and 3 great great grandchildren.  Mathel has two surviving brothers Rex Gordon (Lucille) of Chicago, IL, and Norman Gordon (Shirley) of Sun City, AZ and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brother-in-laws Coleen Brady (Chester), Darlene Julian (David), a late husband William “Bevis” Reed, one infant grandson Howard Wayne Wilson Jr., and a great grandson Jeren William Crain.

Funeral Services will be held at the Gilbert Funeral Home of Christopher on Wednesday October 22, 2014 at 11:00 A.M., officiatedby her son-in-law the Rev. William J. Armstrong.  Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.  Visitation will be on Tuesday October 21, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thankfulness to all those who had a part, for their prayers, deeds of kindness, health care, and compassion shown to them and their mother during her illness and after her passing.  The family would like to thanks the employees at the Herrin Hospital of Herrin, Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, Helia Healthcare in Benton, the 4th floor nursing staff at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center Mt Vernon, Gilbert Funeral Home, Coello Fire Department, St Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospice who ministered health care and compassion to Mathel and her family.

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