William Edward Collier, 85, died Tuesday May 6, 2014 at his home surrounded by those that loved him.

He was born on January 29, 1929 in West Frankfort, the son of Richard and Lydia (Gunter) Collier.  William married Anna Marie (Ferrando) on October 2, 1948 and she preceded him in death on January 3, 2006.

He graduated from West Frankfort High School.  He enlisted into the Army in 1947-1948, and then reenlisted for the Korean War from 1950-1951.  He was part of the Invasion of Inchong.

He is a member and past master of the Christopher Masonic Lodge 1016; he was a 32nd degree Mason; Ainad Shriner; Police officer for the City of Christopher for 16 years, and served as Alderman in Ward I for 24 years; he was a member of the Teamsters (Retired Truck Driver) and a retired driver for the Marion eye center.

Survivors include a daughter Ellen Neikes and husband James of Christopher, a son Steve Collier and wife Cindy of Christopher, IL.  Three grandsons Michael Neikes and wife Jennifer of Marion, Anthony Neikes of Christopher, and Christopher Collier of Christopher.  One Granddaughter Allison (Neikes) Peterson and husband Anthony of Simpsonville, KY.  Two Great-Grandsons Ehren Neikes and Austin Minton of Marion.  Three Great Granddaughters Sarah Peterson of Simpsonville, Ky, Keira Neikes of Marion, and Kaitlin Neikes of Marion.  Sister Estella Walsh of Memphis, TN, Sister-in-law Janet Collier of Decatur, IL.  He is survived by several nephews.  He also leaves three special friends Barbara Zeboski of Christopher, Eva Adams and Joe Mezo of Benton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers James Collier and Gerald Collier.
William will always be remembered as a person who loved to talk about his life in the Army, the places he traveled as a truck driver for Bonifield and Yellow Freight, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and driving and enjoying his car.

Services will be on Saturday May 10, 2014 at 11 a.m.. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Brother Denny Bush officiating.  Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Friday May 9, 2014 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Masonic service will be at 7:00 P.M. on Friday May 9, 2014.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com .

James “Jim” Lloyd Kelly, 78 of Sesser, died Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 30, 1935 in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Joseph Clyde and Aline (Cox) Kelly.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Goode-Barren Township (Sesser) High School and had attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  He was also a U.S. Army Veteran.

On July 6, 1958 he married Margaret Jan (Page) in Sesser, Illinois at the First Methodist Church.

Jim was a member of the Sesser Methodist Church, where he served in various leadership roles for many years including serving as a Certified Lay Speaker. He served as a long-time officer of the Bank of Sesser for over 25 years retiring as President of Magna Bank of Sesser in 1993.

Jim was currently serving as a member of the Sesser City Council; a member and past chairman of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board; Treasure and past President of the Franklin County Shrine Club; a member of the Ainad Shrine; a member and past Master of the Sesser Masonic Lodge; a member of the Sesser-Valier Alumni Recognition Committee; and member and former long-time Treasure of the Sesser Homecoming Association.
Previously Jim had served as Sesser City Clerk from 1960-1968; had served as a member of the Cashe River District Lay Leadership Committee; had served as Trustee of the Goode-Barren Township Building; had served as a member of the Christopher Rural Health Corporation Board of Directors; was a former officer and member of the Sesser Chamber of Commerce; a former member and Treasure of the Sesser Area Cultural and Development Corporation; a former member of the Sesser Jaycees, Lion’s, and Kiwanis; a former member of the Franklin County Sherriff’s Merit Board and past member of the Illinois Bankers Association.

He is survived by his wife, a daughter: Jennifer Kringer and husband Jon of Sesser, a brother: Carroll Kelly and wife Nancy of Sesser, two grandsons:  Christian Sink and Seth Newton of Sesser, a brother-in-law:  Farrell Page and wife Linda of Sesser, and by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded indeath by his parents, a sister:  Jennie Frances Dolan, and two brother:  William Robert Kelly and Joseph Clyde Kelly Jr.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 and from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the Sesser United Methodist Church.  Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the church with Reverend Zack Waldis officiating.  Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Memorials can be made to the Sesser United Methodist Church or Shiner’s Children’s Hospital.

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

Bobbie Holman Williams, 46, of Benton, passed away at 5 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2014 at the Benton Rehab & HealthCare Center.

She was born in Benton, IL on February 5, 1968 the daughter of Troy and Alice (Williams) Holman.

Bobbie was a dietary aide at Benton Rehab and Healthcare for several years.

Bobbie is survived by three children, Zabra Holman, of West Frankfort, Ted Williams, of Las Vegas, NV and Brandy Williams, of Du Quoin, five grandchildren, Jordyn, Justyce, Shelby, Makenna and Maven.  She is also survived by two sisters, Patty Williams and husband Gene, of Benton and Lattesia Lawson and husband Chris of Las Vegas, NV, an aunt, Marilyn Isaacs, of West City and nieces and nephews Stacey, Tony and Rocky.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her grandson, Markus and by a brother, William Ray Holman.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing with the Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating.  There will be no visitation.  Those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

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

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

Mary Cardey-Harris, 74, of Pittsburg, IL passed away Sunday morning, April 27, 2014 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

She was born in Douglas, Wyoming on May 18, 1939, the daughter of Herman Earl and Dorothy Mable (Luhn) Schlichting.

She is survived by her life partner, Karen Cardey-Harris, of Pittsburg, IL.  Also surviving is her son, Mark Harris and wife Kari, of Leaf River, IL and two sisters, Louise Kaiser and husband Bill of Rockaway Beach, OR and Linda Hansen and husband Bob, of Denver, CO and a brother, Herman Schlichting and wife Diane of Chesterfield, MO.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her first partner, Margaret Hughes.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion with the Rev. John Holst officiating.  The family will greet friends at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zion United Church of Christ.

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

Earlene Whittington, 83, of Mulkeytown, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2014 in Mt. Vernon.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton with the Rev. Steve Shotts officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton and also after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.

For those who wish, memorials in Mrs. Whittington’s memory may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 369, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Doris Lee Irvin, 84, of Benton, passed away at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Ken Petty officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the funeral home.

Doris Lee Irvin was born on December 20, 1929 in Logan, Illinois, the daughter of Velmar Winget and Virginia (Toms) Winget. She married Kenneth M. “Sam” Irvin in 1946 and he preceded her in death in March of 1999.

Mrs. Irvin worked as a school cook in Logan, and would later work for the Joan Claire Dress Factory in Benton, and would work and retire from Petroff Packing Company in Benton.

She attended Grace Awakening Church in Benton.

Doris loved her family.

She is survived by four children: Danny Irvin and wife Connie of Benton, Kenny Irvin and wife Sue of Benton, Dale Irvin and wife Pam of Benton, Sandra (Irvin) Beaty of Flowery Branch, Georgia; nine grandchildren: Stacey and husband Jim Overturf, Jera and husband Danny Sheeks, Brandi and husband Matt Malkovich, Anitra and husband Jimmy Steckenrider, Garrett Irvin, Ryan Unger and wife Emily, Alison and husband Brandon Anthis, Justin Beaty and wife Courtney, Jordan Beaty and wife Amanda; sixteen great-grandchildren: Ethan Overturf and wife Megan, Josie Overturf, Brittney and Amanda Doxsie, Connor Foltz, Dylan Sheeks, Mila Malkovich, T.J. Eubanks, Dylan Hartley, Cole Forby and wife Emily, Trace Steckenrider, Tyler Steckenrider, Mason Unger, Payton Anthis, Alaina Anthis, Trent Beaty, Trey Beaty, Tyler Beaty, Tristan Beaty, and Alexis Beaty.

Mrs. Irvin was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers: Leon Winget and Leslie Winget, an infant brother and an infant sister.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Awakening Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences or to view the obituary, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Billiejean (Reed) Kearney Jamerson, 61, of Benton, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2014 in Benton.

She was born in Christopher, IL on September 11, 1952, the daughter of Billie F. Reed and Clara Pauline (Hill).

She was a Sunday School teacher and a former member of Forrest Baptist Church and later in life became a member of South Point Church of God, in West Frankfort.

Billiejean was a dedicated licensed Registered Nurse.  She was a wonderful musician and an excellent piano player, playing with several area bands from her high school days on up.  She was a faithful supporter of St. Joseph Indian School.

She is survived by three children, Tara Margaret Kearney and fiance Daniel Sronce, of Giant City, Billie Dale Jamerson, of Benton and Bonnie Elizabeth House and husband Preston, of Benton.  She is also survived by grandchildren, Michael Alan Jamerson, Alyssa Alan Jamerson, Jace Aaron House, Tristan Patrick House, Julian Paul House and Keaton Elisha House.  Also surviving is her mother, Clara Shawmeker, of Benton, two sisters, JennaBev Purkaple and husband David of Benton and Lana Garland, of West Frankfort; nieces and nephews Christopher Sutherland, Lindsey Strobel, Brandy LeVine and Athena Garland and by her special dog “Snowie.”

She was a wonderful mother and was adored by her grandchildren.

Billiejean was preceded in death by her father and by a special niece, Chastity Fields.

Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 16 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Todd Parchman officiating.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.  Private graveside services will be held on Thursday at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Jeffrey Thomas Boyd passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2014 in his home due to his on-going battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig ’s disease).

Jeff was born on December 20, 1950 at Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin, Il. Jeff was the youngest of three boys born to Loren Woodrow Boyd and Vera Galloway Boyd. Both of his parents preceded him in death.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 27 years, Christine (Dolce) Boyd of Sesser, Il and their children Cassie Hartwell and William of Sesser, Il. Jeff is also survived by his brothers Loren “Beau” Boyd and wife Cheryl of Benton, Il and Steve Boyd and wife Carolyn of Sesser, Il.

Jeff graduated from Sesser Community Unit schools in 1967. He continued on to the University of Missouri at Rolla. Jeff was raised on the farm operating heavy machinery and continued to do so until his death in his life-long career as a civil engineer. Jeff operated as an owner of Boyd Brother’s Inc of Sesser, Il and J.T. Boyd Construction Company of Sesser, Il.

Jeff was an avid bass fisherman, quail hunter, and Harley rider. He also enjoyed gardening outside with his wife and kids. Nothing made him happier than to spend time outside with the sun on his face and the wind in his hair. Jeff lived the fisherman’s dream and lived most of his adult life at his boyhood fishing spot . Jeff was a member of B.A.S.S. Master’s, the Masonic Lodge in Sesser, the Scottish Rite, and the Anid Temple of Shriners.

Jeff had been a member of 4-H as a youth and participated in 4-H with both of his children. Jeff had served as a member of the Franklin County Hospital Board and a member of the Sesser School Board. Jeff was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 318 in Marion, Il.

Services to remember Jeff’s life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Sesser, Il on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. The church will open at 9:00 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the ALS association, the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in St. Louis, MO, or for college expenses for Jeff’s children.

Vera Romani 75 passed away April 12, 2014 after a brief illness.

She was born to Ole and Vera Olson in Oak Harbor, Washington on August 23, 1938,

She married Humbert (Humpy) Romani on October 30, 1953.  He preceded her in death on March 14, 2001.

Vera was a homemaker and also helped her husband in several businesses they owned.

Survivors include her children Victor M. Romani and wife Trisha of Sesser.  Annette Easter and husband CJ of West City, Darren M. Romani and wife Kimberly of West City, Teresa Hammond and husband Gale of Hendersonville, Tennessee.
A sister Dorathy (Tootsie) Gilbert and husband Eugene (Dud) of Oak Harbor, Washington, and a brother Hans (Swede) Olson and wife Marlene of Oak Harbor, Washington, and several nieces and nephews also survive

She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild.  She will be sadly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Robert Olson, sister Nanny Lewin, and five children Tina Romani, Leslie Romani, Diana Romani, Lisa Sisney, Christopher Romani, one grandchild, and three great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be Wednesday April 16, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Brayfield/Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Officiating will be Father Peter Balili,   Visitation will be Tuesday April 15, 2014 after 6 p.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.