Priscilla Helton, 64, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday October 25, 2023 at Countryside Manor Nursing Home in Mt Vernon.

She was born on July 10, 1959 in Christopher to Phillip and Doris June (Annear) Ensinger. She married James “Jim” Helton Jr. on May 28, 1978 and he preceded her in death on November 22, 2004.

She is survived by her two brothers Jerry (Kathy) Ensinger of Sesser and Vernon Atkins of Dixon, IL and several nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral services will be on Monday October 30, 2023 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Steve Reeves officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Jerry Ensinger to help with funeral and medical expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Carl Henry Roberts, 80, of Whittington, beloved father, grandfather, passed away on Tuesday October 24, 2023 at Herrin Hospital with his family by his side.

He was born on October 17, 1943 in Sesser, IL to Verna (Harrison) Roberts and Archie Roberts.

He worked at Old Ben Coal till they closed in 1991, he managed Anrap Rentals for many years and retired from Southern Illinois Tourism.

What made him the happiest was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Mark Roberts, Mike (Tammy) Roberts and Kimberly Roberts all of Whittington; grandchildren Rex (Elizabeth) Roberts, Tiff (Curtis) Hodge, Angelle (Billy) Hofman, Tyler (Deanna) Roberts, Nic Roberts and Dakota Overturf; 11 great grandchildren; one brother Cecil (Beckie) Roberts of Sesser; one special nephew David Despain and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Goldie Payne, brother-in-law Carl Payne, one nephew Eddie Jones and one niece Yvonne Frey.

Funeral services will be on Saturday October 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington.

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

Nora Thomasina (Crews) Hammel, 91, of Valier, IL., passed away at 11:33 a.m., on Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Franklin Hospital, Benton, IL.

She was born on April 4, 1932, to Edgar and Ruth (Henson) Crews in Valier, IL. Thomasina had two sisters, Nancy (Crews) Michaelson and Lynn (Crews) Bradley; and one brother Edgar L. (Buzz) Crews.

Thomasina married Bob Jones and together they had two children, Randy Jones and Barbara Androvandi. On May 15, 1964, Thomasina married Foster Deane Hammel. They had a daughter, Deana Lynn (Hammel) Coons. They shared 45 years together. Deane went to be with the Lord on Feburary 9, 2009. Thomasina is with the Lord and Savior. To be absent from the body and is to be present with the Lord. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints- We are confident Thomasina is present with the Lord and we are awaiting joining her in glory. Thomasina served the Lord her whole life, teaching Sunday School, attending Church faithfully and was always surrounded with her Bible and Devotionals daily as she was in the Word. She was an example to her family, and we strive to follow in her footsteps until we join her.

Nora is survived by her children, Randy (Linda) Jones, Barb Androvandi, Deana (Paul) Coons; brother, Buzz Crews; sister, Nancy Michaelson; grandchildren, Sheena (Jimmy Cox) Androvandi; Grandson, Matthew (Shelby) Androvandi; great-grandchildren, Emily, Braydon, Braxton, Ryan, Ronnie, Wesley, Noah and Jaxson; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Ruth Crews; husband, Foster Deane Hammel; sister, Lynn Bradley; and sister-in-law, Brenda Crews.

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

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with Pastor Kevin Bradley, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Valier and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Johnnie Mae (Perritte) McCreery, 98, of Benton, passed away at 12:00 a.m., on Sunday. October 15, 2023, at Helia Healthcare, in Benton.

She was born on July 6, 1925, to John and Minnie (Wagnon) Perritte in Nacogdoches, TX. She attended Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, TX, and also the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. On March 30, 1946, Johnnie married John A. McCreery, Jr. in San Angelo, TX and he preceded her in death on December 18, 2001.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton where she served as the Church Historian and was also the Meals On Wheels Coordinator for 10 years in Benton.

Johnnie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Martha McCreery of Lake Benton, IL; her daughter, Linda McCreery of Albuquerque, NM; two grandsons, Jordan John McCreery and his wife Elizabeth, of Collinsville, IL and Michael Lee McCreery of Benton, IL and two great-grandchildren, Jaylen and Syler of Collinsville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Minnie Lee Perritte, her husband, John A. McCreery and her brother-in-law, Paul McCreery.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Burial will follow services in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton and or the Benton Performing Arts Boosters, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brenda Kellam for being mom’s caregiver for many years.

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

Eloise Corn, age 90, of McLeansboro, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Eloise was born on December 15, 1932, in Buckner, Illinois; the daughter of Bill Williams and Doris (Flannigan) Williams. She married Robert Corn on January 30, 1949, and together they shared 51 years of marriage until his death on April 18, 2000.

Mrs. Corn was a homemaker. She was a member of Freedom Baptist Church of McLeansboro and was a member of the WMU group at the church.

She enjoyed reading, walking, her porch time with the Meadow Hills ladies, and spending time with her church family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was their biggest cheerleader at each of their sporting events.

Eloise is survived by her loving children: Richard “Dick” Corn and wife Penny of Pinckneyville, IL, Jean A. Winemiller and husband Lewis of McLeansboro, IL, Robert Corn and wife Cindy of Cartersville, GA, Jerry Corn and wife Sharon of Macedonia, IL; grandchildren including: Melanie Schweizer and husband Tim, Melissa Corn and Matt Deaton, Jason Hanson and wife Sallie, Ron Winemiller and wife Whitney, Kristi Key, Brooke McCann and husband Chris, Rob Corn, Scott Corn, Tim Corn and wife Mady, Morgan Waters and husband Jake, Madison Hewitt; fourteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson due in February. Also, neighbors that loved and cared for her like family: Norm and Becky Howe and Ed and Cathy Anselment, all of McLeansboro, IL.

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

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Freedom Baptist Church, 13386 State Route 142, McLeansboro, IL 62859, with Rev. Jason Moore officiating. Burial will follow at the Brady Cemetery East of Akin, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Wednesday, at Freedom Baptist Church of McLeansboro, IL.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Brady Cemetery Fund or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Eloise, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Terry Lee Pedigo, age 76, of Christopher, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.

His wishes are to be cremated, with no public services.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Terry was born on November 15, 1946, in Benton, IL; the son of Rice Pedigo and Flossie (Carpenter) Pedigo. He married the former Patricia Ann Summers on August 19, 1999, and she survives.

He was a retired carpenter. He also formerly worked at Old Ben Coal Company Mine 24 and used to sell fish.
Terry enjoyed fishing, hunting, knife collecting, antiquing, and spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Patricia Pedigo of Christopher; three children: Terry Wayne Pedigo and wife Brenda of Christopher, IL, Penny Smith and husband Christopher of West Frankfort, IL, Tammy Duncan and husband Roger of West City, IL; six grandchildren: Bill Bryant of Coello, IL, Kellie Bryant of Carbondale, IL, Blake Pierce of West Frankfort, IL, Alexa Pierce of Carbondale, IL, Levi Noel and wife Annie of West Frankfort, IL, Amanda Reed and husband Mike of Mulkeytown, IL; eight great-grandchildren; a sister Paulette Sullivan of Royalton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Cory Summers; three brothers: Jesse Pedigo, Anthony Pedigo and Dennis W. Pedigo; and two sisters: Lela Briley and Gloria Tick.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Terry may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601; or go to https://action.lung.org
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Vicki (Yung) Downen, 72, of Scheller, passed away Saturday, October 21st at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born March 25, 1951, in DuQuoin, IL, the daughter of Victor Yung and Helen (Lipsey) Yung.

She was born March 25, 1951, in DuQuoin, IL, the daughter of Victor Yung and Helen (Lipsey) Yung.

Vicki is survived by her husband: Ernie Downen, her daughter: Tina Cavenaile of Ballwin, MO; son and daughter in law: Tim and Aprill Downen of Hillsboro, IL; grandchildren: Ally Cavenaile of St. Louis, MO; Emily Cavenaile of Springfield, MO; Timothy Hunter and Hudson Downen of Hillsboro, IL; two brothers: Bill Yung and wife Gayla of Sesser and Bob Yung of Bourbonnais, Illinois; a special niece: Roxana Eubanks and many other nieces and nephews.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sue Eubanks.

Vicki enjoyed collecting antiques, spoiling her pets and playing Skip-Bo with her grandkids. When she was younger you could find her fishing for long hours to catch enough blue gill to satisfy our craving. She could fry fish better than any restaurant! She loved going to junk stores to find treasures and eating at her favorite Chinese restaurant. We will always think of her and smile when we hear the COPS theme song. Her nurturing nature and devotion to her family was evident in every aspect of her life.

Per Vicki’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Bryan “Douglas” Spain of Benton, Illinois, passed away October 17th in Mount Vernon, Illinois at the Good Samaritan Hospital.

Born March 11th, 1961, in Pekin Illinois to Lowell and Elsie Spain/Wyant. He was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Linda Lou, his father, mother, and a brother. He is survived by his brother Matthew and Julia Spain of West Frankfort Illinois his nieces Alisha and Kassey Spain of Delavan, IL. Great nephews Chance Castleman, Drake Ring and One great niece McKinzey Ring of Delavan, IL.

Doug grew up in Delavan, Illinois and attended Delavan High School. After High School he followed in his brother Mark’s footsteps moving to Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville is where he found his heart, the love of his life, Linda. He performed work as a Maintenance Supervisor for several apartment complexes. Doug was always willing to give a helping hand. He met several lifelong friends there and was always willing to help anyone in their time of need. He was an avid football fan, and he loved the Jacksonville Jaguars. Music was another one of his passions. He loved AC/DC, and you could always find him strumming along with his guitar. He always had a new joke asking every time you saw him, hey did you hear the one about? (Hehe) Known for his smelly feet, infectious laughter he will be deeply missed by his family. May his sense of humor live on in each one of us.

A future private graveside service for family will be held at Shiloh Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to: Leffler Funeral Home 401 E Main St, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Doug, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jon Roger Williams, age 59, of Benton, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023; at SIH Herrin Hospital.
Jon’s wishes are to be cremated.

When you have worked on dive boats in the Florida Keys, as a coal miner in southern Illinois, and as a trauma/critical care nurse in Emergency Departments, ICUs, Cath Labs, and with Air Evac, you are going to have stories. Jon had the stories. Funny stories, sad stories, self-deprecating stories, stories about friends, family, and life. One could write a book about Jon and never capture all of his true spirit, soul, love and life. It certainly cannot be done as a short obituary.

After graduating from BCHS in 1982, Jon attended Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Mining Engineering. After going to Florida for a while, Jon returned to Southern Illinois to follow in his father’s and grandfathers’ footsteps, working for Kerr-McGee for 15 years. He was on the Mine Rescue Team. Nicknamed Remo, the stories of his time working in the mines were some of his favorites.

With changes that were occurring in the mining industry, Jon decided to change careers and attended John A. Logan College to become a Registered Nurse. Jon was recognized by JALC and received an award for outstanding non-traditional students and appeared in a recruiting commercial for the college, orange flight suit and all. A life size cutout of him remains in the Logan Fitness Center to this day. As a trauma/critical care nurse, Jon touched the lives of so many patients and their families, many of them have shared their stories of his care, kindness, and sense of humor with his family members who are so very grateful for those memories.

Jon had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He loved fiercely and once he made you one of his people, he would move mountains to care for and protect you.

Jon was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking and camping anywhere he could pitch a tent. Some of his favorite spots were the Shawnee National Forrest, Land Between the Lakes, and Rend Lake. He could identify every plant, animal, bird, and reptile.

Jon enjoyed cooking, experimenting with his smoker, and sharing his skills with others. Many friends, family, and co-workers got to enjoy what he was cooking up for the week.

Jon was the youngest of four siblings and was often affectionately referred to as the “golden boy” and Mom’s favorite, He kept us laughing and entertained us at family gatherings. No one could tell a story better than Jon.

Although he received many accolades and awards during his nursing and mining careers, Jon’s proudest moment was when his son, Cole, was born on July 19, 2002. They have a special love and bond that can never be broken.

He married the love of his life, Lynne Sanders on 10/11/12. Lynne was his perfect match, intellectually and spiritually. She was always a willing participant in his elaborate plans, or shenanigans as she called them. He took her out of her comfort zone on many occasions. The phrase, “Let’s go on an adventure!” was spoken often.

He was adored by his nephews and nieces, always being the fun uncle. He was their hero, mentor, friend, and advisor. When speaking of them, he always spoke of his love for them and their families and how proud he was of them.

His marriage to Lynne added three daughters, their spouses, and grandchildren to the family. In typical Jon fashion, he loved them fiercely.

Jon’s death makes us pause and think about our own mortality. He lived a good life with no regrets. In his honor we will strive to do the same.

Our family hopes you can share your stories and memories of Jon at a casual gathering on Saturday October 28, 2023, at Rend Lake, North Sandusky Day Use area Shelter #3 from 2:00-5:00 pm.

Memorial contributions are preferred; and may be made to the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, P.O. Box 612, Carbondale, Illinois 62903.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jon, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Maxine Delores Naylor, 99, of Buckner, passed away on Thursday October 19, 2023 at Stonebridge Nursing Home in Benton.

She was born on May 16, 1924 in Benton, IL to Persia and Virgie (Melton) Cantrell. She married Eugene Naylor on February 23, 1946 and he preceded her in death on October 19, 1989.

She is survived by her daughter Joy Brown of Herrin; granddaughter Jennifer (Shane) Feather of Herrin and one nephew Dr. Greg (Gail) Naylor of Michigan.

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

Funeral services will be on Monday October 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Phillip Kennedy officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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