Grace (Cripps) Kennedy – Homosassa, FL (formerly of Benton, IL and West Frankfort, IL)

Grace (Cripps) Kennedy, 76, a former resident of Benton and West Frankfort, passed away at her home in Florida on Saturday, March 11, 2023, surrounded by family, following a long illness.

Grace was a retired nurse’s aide and phlebotomist who had worked for hospitals in the Franklin and Williamson County areas. She was an active member of the Pyramid Players theatrical association for many years. She enjoyed singing, visiting family and friends, taking cruises and road trips, and holding court at the pool of her Floridian retirement community where she was involved in the local choir.

Grace is survived by her husband David Gutmann, Homosassa, FL, her children Christopher Cripps (and wife Géraldine), Paris, France, Theresa Cripps Ellis (and husband Shane), Clarksville, TN, Timothy Cripps (and wife Carrie Peacock), Collierville, TN, and Matthew Cripps, Clarksville, TN, her sister Andrea Merz and her brother Jack Schiro, both of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

Grace will continue to watch over her seven grandchildren (Brittani, Ryan, Keely, Damian, Rylie, Parker, and Aidan), and two great-grandchildren (Hadley and Margo).
Her stepchildren Edward Gutmann, Daniel Gutmann, and Dawn Dennis, and step-grandchildren D.J. and Addy, all from Central Illinois, share in the family’s sorrow.
The family wishes to thank the many people who knew Grace and touched her life over the years.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd at 10:30 am with Father Urban Osuji officiating, with visitation on Tuesday, March 21st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s name to the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

A Circle of Life memorial will be held for Grace in Homosassa, FL at a later date.

Nancy (Flatt) Bailey – Christopher, IL

Nancy Mae (Flatt) Bailey, 78 of Christopher, Illinois passed away March 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loved ones and her beloved Bosco.

Nancy was born in West Frankfort, Illinois on August 15, 1944 to Gerald W. Flatt, Sr and Phyllis (Lamb) Flatt. She married Charles (Charlie) Bailey on September 7, 1963 in Christopher. They shared 52 years of marriage before Charlie’s passing on June 8, 2016. To this union were born two sons, Stephen Scott and Craig David.

Nancy was a 1962 graduate of Christopher Community High School and after graduation she attended and graduated from VTI (SIU’s trade school) as a cosmetologist. She styled hair in various beauty shops in the area before setting up her own salon in her home. She later worked at various places and professions including the Christopher Water Department, as a florist and at Crownline Boats. She took on another career later on detailing boats. Nancy never knew the phrase “sit and be still” because she was always on the move! Nancy never met a stranger and always had a big smile on her face. She was a beloved friend to many and will be missed more than words can say.

Surviving Nancy are sons Stephen Bailey, Benton and Craig Bailey of Hot Springs, Arkansas; siblings Donna (Mike) Sevenski, Benton and Kathy (Brad) Miller of Mulkeytown. Grandchildren Gunner (Chelsea) Bailey, Tanner Bailey, Joey and Kortnie Bailey, as well as two great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews who are left to mourn her passing. She is also survived by her beloved dog and constant companion Bosco. Survived also by sister-in-laws Brenda (Ralph) Hale, Christopher, Ada Flatt Benton and Wanda Flatt of Duquoin and her dear friend Brenda Gunter of Christopher.

We cannot thank SSM Hospice enough for their wonderful and compassionate care of Nancy. We want to thank especially her nurse Chris, HHA Serena and social worker Andrea. Without them we don’t know what we would have done.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Phyllis Flatt, her husband Charlie, her brothers Gerald Jr. (G.W.), Oliver II (O.D.), and niece Cheryl (Hale) Cali.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Hammonds Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers please honor Nancy’s memory and her love for her dear Bosco by donating to Friends of FCAC, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822. Donations will also be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Charles “Bud” Tate – Benton, Illinois

Mr. Charles “Bud” Tate, age 81, of Benton; passed away at 8:16 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Charles was born on April 15, 1941 in Benton, Illinois; the son of Clarence Tate and Beulah (Cole) Tate. He married the former Dolores Carter on March 6, 1983, and she preceded him in death on September 3, 2014.

Bud was the former owner and operator of B & B Cleaners of Benton. He later worked for the City of Benton in maintenance and lawn care.
He enjoyed hunting, especially racoon hunting.

Surviving are eight children: Tom Tate, Gina Tate, Shannon Tate, Jeremy Tate, Scott Tate, Benjamin Tate, Christi Volkman and husband Paul, all of Benton, and Hanna Akin and husband Tyler of Belle Rive; nine grandchildren: Tiffany, Wyatt, Michael, Taylor, Aubrie, Parker, Alexis, Wyatt and Aria; one great-granddaughter Alannah; a sister Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, a brother Larry Tate of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Tate was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother Clarence Tate; two sisters Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Charles “Bud” Tate; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Stanley Davis-Eldorado, IL

Stanley Davis, 83, of Eldorado, passed away on Saturday March 4, 2023 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado.

He was born on September 20, 1939 in Plumfield, IL to John and Imogene Marie (Sanders) Davis.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Powell of Harrisburg; one niece Wendy (Pervis) Ellis; one nephew Russell (Leslie) Powell and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father John Davis, his mother Imogene Marie Swisher, his aunt and uncle that raised him George and Goldie Davis.
His wishes were to be cremated. A private family graveside will be held at a later date.

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

Terry Lynn Thomas – Benton, IL

Our beloved father, Terry Lynn Thomas peacefully returned to our Heavenly father from the farm on March 4, 2023 at the age of 78. Terry was born in Benton, Illinois on March 16, 1944. He was preceded in death by his childhood sweetheart and dear wife of 57 years, Mary Lou Thomas on Feb 5, 2022, his parents Frank and Hazel Thomas, his brothers Val Gene and Gary, and sister Glenda Stiebel.

Terry’s spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone he came in contact with. Terry had a special gift of bringing a smile to everyone’s face and enjoyed giving a hug to all as he never met a stranger. He especially liked to joke with others though his friends said, “Terry loved to dish it out, but could not take it.”

Terry was an avid golfer, St. Louis Cardinal fan, and a supporter of any team his grandchildren participated on. His passion for playing Benton Ranger football, baseball and basketball ultimately garnered him a basketball scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University as well as many other awards. He graduated with an Bachelors degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Education. He then pursued pharmaceutical sales following his graduation from the Certified Medical Representatives Institute of Roanoke, Virginia with highest distinction he became a field force representative for Pfizer Laboratories and retired after 35 years in 2003. Following his retirement, he enjoyed being a marshal at Rend Lake Golf Course.

Terry loved the outdoors and spent much of his time in the woods hunting and fishing with his buddies, children and grandchildren. His love of the outdoors and music brought out the happy and free spirit that defined him. He especially loved birds and was an official Audubon bird counter at Rend Lake. Terry was a member of the Benton Elks Club and the Benton Ranger Booster Club.

His love for his family was above all others. He enjoyed traveling to Montana, California, Mackinac Island, Michigan, Door County, Wisconsin and many destinations such as Pebble Beach, Arizona, Augusta, Georgia and Florida to play golf.

Terry is survived by his son and daughter, Tera Keller and Todd Thomas, son-in-law Ryan Keller, daughter-in-law Michele Thomas, granddaughters Caroline, Courtney, and Carlianne Keller and grandsons Chase and Kyle Thomas, sister-in-law Sandra Long and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Audubon Society, an organization Terry enjoyed.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

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

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

Barbara Hammonds Blackston – Granite City, IL (formerly of Christopher, IL)

Barbara Hammonds Blackston was born October 29, 1941 to Loyd and Norine Hammonds in Mulkeytown, Illinois.

Barbara graduated from Christopher Community High School. She married and moved to Granite City, Illinois. She is the mother of three children. Kevin (Ronda) Smith, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Beth Ann (Bill) Kovach and Lisa (Eddie) Perigan of Granite City, Illinois.

Barbara spent her professional life as an office manager in the areas of construction, HVAC and financial services. Barbara loved bowling, dancing, reading, listening to music and spending time in Bible study. She was a devout Christian.

Barbara is survived by her three children, her three grandchildren, Austin Perigan, Ryan Kovach and Dehlia Smith and one great grandchild, Shia Perigan. She is also survived by her brother, Paul {Nancy} Hammonds, of Alpharetta, Georgia and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, James Blackston, her sisters, Ethel Zicker and Doris Livesay and her brother, Frank Hammonds.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday March 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Hammonds Cemetery in Buckner.

Memorials can be made to Hammonds Family Cemetery, through Gilbert Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank Laura Robinson, her in home caregiver and ProMedica her in-home hospice for their love and care as well as the Rev Jerry Justice. Soddy Church of God, Soddy-Daisy, TN, who officiated the funeral services.

Rev. John Neace – Benton, IL

Rev. John Daniel Neace, age 73, of Benton, passed away at 3:50 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the VA Community Living Center of Marion, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the First Church of God, 1200 Grand Street, Benton, Illinois, with Rev. David Hall, Rev. Wayne Absher and Rev. Eric Livingston officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Meisenheimer – Mt. Olive Cemetery of Dongola, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the First Church of God of Benton.

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

Rev. Neace was born on January 25, 1950 in Murphysboro, Illinois; the son of Rev. Daniel Hobert Neace and Alice Elizabeth (Reed) Neace. John would graduate from Murphysboro High School Class of 1967. He married the former Barbara Kay Gibson on July 27, 1969, and she survives.

John would further his education and obtained his master’s degree in Education from SIU- Carbondale.

He served his country in the U.S. Army where he served from August of 1972 through September of 1993. Because he knew how to type, his family said the Army placed him in graves registration. He would retire as a Sergeant.

Most importantly he served God as a Minister with the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). He was the pastor of First Church of God of Benton, IL from July 1989 until his death on March 2, 2023. Previously he pastored at the First Church of God of Shady Grove, KY (from 1976 – 1978), First Church of God of Lovington, IL (from Oct. 1979 – July 1989). Rev. Neace was an Elder with the Illinois State Ministries, he was a past Secretary and Treasurer with the Southern Illinois Church of God Campground Association, serving in that capacity for 22 years. He was an active member of the Benton Ministerial Alliance, serving in various positions, until his health would not allow him to serve.

Pastor Neace enjoyed reading the Bible, listening to “Classic Country” music. His family said he loved going to the library. He loved attending Camp Meetings, Revival Services, and Gospel Music concerts. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with family. Especially his wife Barbara and son Jonathan.

Surviving is his loving wife of 53 1/2 years, Barbara Kay Neace of Benton; his loving son Jonathan Daniel Neace of Benton; his mother-in-law Joan Gibson of Anna, IL; four brothers: Hobert Neace and wife Phyllis of Murphysboro, IL, Claude Neace and wife Norma of Fruitland, MO, Andrew Neace of Jackson, MO, Donald Neace and wife Lisa of Port Coral, FL; a brother-in-law Dewayne Gibson and wife Mary of Vienna, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Rev. Daniel Hobert Neace and Alice Elizabeth Neace; a sister Betty Ripley and husband Junior; a brother Robert Neace; father-in-law Floyd Gibson; a stillborn sister-in-law Nancy Joan Gibson; brother-in-law Rev. Michael Gibson.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Rev. John Daniel Neace, and will be accepted at the services on Tuesday; or can be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Rev. Neace, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Lamont Toms – Benton, IL

Mr. Lamont Toms, age 90, of Benton, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Shawnee Rose Care Center of Harrisburg, Illinois.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #5671, and the U.S. Navy Honors team. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery for the services.

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

Mr. Toms was born on March 27, 1932, in Benton; the son of Joseph Toms and Alice (Miller) Toms. He married the former Velma Imogene Thorpe on September 14, 1956; and she preceded him in death on September 19, 1999. He would later marry Shirley Elieff on June 2, 2001; and she survives.

Lamont would serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1949 through 1953. He was a coal miner having worked for Old Ben Coal Company; and retired on February 1, 1990, after working for 22 years with Old Ben Coal Company.

He enjoyed attending church with his West City Church of God family. He also enjoyed going to McDonalds to drink coffee and visit with friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, including Sally Revis, Rodney Sailliez, Jason Revis, Tracy Saffelder; but most of all enjoyed being with his great-granddaughter Alyssa Sailliez.

Surviving is his loving wife of 22 years, Shirley Toms of Harrisburg, IL; great-granddaughter Alyssa Sailliez of Benton; nephew James Toms, Jr. and wife Jane of Logan; friends Charles and Catherine Wiggs of Benton.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Alice Toms; his first wife Velma Imogene Toms; brothers: Clifton Toms, Edward Toms, Jim Toms, Charles Toms, Joseph Toms, Jr.; and sisters: Aline Rice, Delores Yvonne Pitchford and Virginia Wingate.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the graveside service on Saturday; or can be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. Lamont Toms, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

James “Jim” Louis Flannigan – Macedonia, IL

James “Jim” Louis Flannigan, 88, of Macedonia, passed away on February 27, 2023, at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital, McLeansboro, IL.

He was born on June 23, 1934, to Wallace and Dorthy (Williams) Flannigan in Franklin County, IL. Jim serviced in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. James was a farmer and he worked for the Highway Department until his retirement.

James is survived by his sister, Betty McKay of St. Louis, MO; 2 nieces; 2 nephews; 3 great-nieces; 4 great-nephews; 3 great-great nieces and 2 great-great nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Wallace and Dorthy Flannigan; one brother, Virgil Flannigan; and one sister, Nellie Harper.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 1:00 pm at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Following services burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

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

Gayla Rella Smothers-Sesser, IL

Gayla Rella Smothers, 81, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday February 28, 2023.

She was born on March 30, 1941 in Sesser to Stanton Roberts and Jett (Murry) Eperson. She married Cyril Leon Smother on January 17, 1959 and he preceded her in death on July 22, 2019.

She is survived by her daughter Pamela (Kevin) Cummings of Mt Vernon; daughter-in-law Tricia Smothers of Marion; grandchildren Heath (Kristin) Tepovich, Mallory (Anthony) Upegui, Kolton Cummings, Peyton Wall; great grandchildren Keegan Upegui, Kamryn Upegui, Hutson Tepovich and Danica Tepovich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one son David Smothers.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 6, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Sesser with Pastor Jim Slone officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 12:00 Pm at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News