Wayne Edward Jacoby, 74, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday November 29, 2022 at his home.

He was born on October 18, 1948 in Coello, IL to Robert Lee and Mary Ann (Vandevelde) Jacoby. He married Emma (Wohlwend) Jacoby on November 13, 1987 in Pinckneyville, IL.

He is survived by his wife Emma Jacoby of Christopher; children Emily (Robert) Flood of Christopher, Dwayne Williams of Valdosta, GA and Darrin Jacoby of DuQuoin, IL; one step-son Jason Shockley of Christopher; grandchildren Zoey, Robert, Casey, Courtney, Jeremy, Kasey and Bryson; step-grandchildren Syaira Harmon, Jaron Shockley, Briana Shockley and Robert Shockley; one brother Charles Jacoby of Lake of Egypt.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother LeeRoy Jacoby.

Wayne loved to go hunting and fishing and to spend time with his grandchildren and special friends Mike Smith, Isaac Smith and Jeremy Poe.

Wayne’s wishes were to be cremated with a graveside service to be held at a later date.

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

James Lee Dorris, JR., of Christopher, passed away on Friday November 25, 2022.

He was born on September 15, 1961 in Benton, IL. He married Windie (Grove) Dorris on December 8, 1997.

He is survived by his wife Windie Dorris of Christopher; children Amanda (James) Whitmer II of Christopher, Chelsea Dorris of Christopher, Breanna (David) Dorris of Christopher and Chris (Sasha Ladd) Dorris of Christopher; grandchildren Brenden Whitmer, Elise Whitmer, Nora Sisney, Riley Redding, Bailey Redding, Aubrey Redding and Desmond Dorris; one sister Tammy (David) DeSpain of Thompsonville and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father James Lee Dorris SR, mother Barb (Bowers) Palmer, step-father Charlie Palmer, father-in-law Cecil Grove and mother-in-law Lucill Grove.

He was a United States Navy Veteran.

Funeral service will be on Wednesday November 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Wayne Purdie officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Trace Bittle, age 18, of Marion, Illinois passed away on Sunday, November 20th surrounded by an outpouring of love, hope and prayer from his cherished family and friends.

Trace was a beautiful boy, inside and out. He loved life and lived life to the fullest. Trace loved and adored his family with all his heart. He brought joy to all of us with his quick smile, his kind heart, and infectious personality. He could warm your heart like no other.

He was cherished by his parents, devoted tirelessly to his life and happiness. He was adored by his grandparents who played such a big role in his life. He shared a special bond with his sister Jerzy, only 16 months apart. He was so proud of her accomplishments and she treasured him in every way. Trace had the gift of a family who loved him so much and would give him the world. He would always say “I love you more” and give us the best hug ever.

Trace was a Marion High School athlete where he played baseball and golf and graduated with the class of 2022. His true love was being outdoors. Trace was an avid hunter and fisherman with a passion for the thrill of the hunt – whether it be chasing a little green lizard to hunting a 10-point buck. He loved the Hunting Lodge. That was his happy place – shared by family and friends, his Heaven on earth.

Trace liked the best of the best. You could always find him in the “Gucci of camo.” Nobody could light up a room like Trace Bittle. Words cannot describe the effect Trace had on people.

Trace was a member of the Grange Hall Church. The days were brighter when Trace was around. His light will burn forever.

He is survived by his parents, Barry P. and Melissa A. Bittle of Marion, IL; three siblings, Dymin (Lance) Lynn, Jerzy Bittle, and Kruz Hayes all of Marion, IL; his Paternal Grandmother, Connie Dodson, Maternal Grandparents Danny (Sherry) Johnson, aunt Shelley (Scott) Bittle-Schonewolf of Marion, IL, uncle JoJo Johnson of Benton, IL, uncle Robbie Dodson of San Francisco, CA.; niece Mia Lynn, niece Lively Lynn, niece Rumer Lynn, and nephew Judge Lynn. He is preceded in death by his Paternal Grandfather, Larry Bittle.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 26th, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 26, 2022, 1:00 PM at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Kevin McNeely officiating. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Marion High School Bass Fishing Team.

Jerry Ann Tennyson, 78, of Benton, Illinois; passed away at 6:05 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab of Benton.

Jerry Ann’s wishes are to be cremated with a Celebration of Life with family at a later date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Jerry Ann was born on March 11, 1944, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the daughter of Cecil Doty and Rosalie (Furlow) Doty.
She is survived by her brother Kenneth Doty and wife Rita of Benton, Illinois; her children Julie Cocke and significant other Cary James of Benton, Illinois, and Mike Lampley and significant other Tonya Cardwell of Benton, Illinois; four grandchildren: Josh Cocke of Carbondale, Illinois, Amy Cocke of Benton, Illinois, TJ Cocke of Benton, Illinois and Carlie James of Benton, Illinois; two great-grandchildren: Damian and Jacob Cocke both of Christopher, Illinois.

Also surviving is her beloved dog, Baby Girl.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jerry Ann was devoted to her Christianity. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.
Jerry Ann will be deeply missed by her family.

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

Benton, IL – Ethel Carmen (Smith) Browning, age 86, July 16, 1936 – November 17, 2022. Loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend peacefully passed away at 9:50 PM in Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

She was born to Fred and Ethel (Morgan) Smith, Benton, IL. She was raised by her grandmother, Pairnasy Missouri (McCurry) Morgan. She married Barney Kirby Browning on June 18, 1960, and they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. He preceded her in death on October 10, 2022.

Carmen and her brother Gordon were raised by their grandmother in a home on 7th Street in Benton, purchased by her Uncles, John and Dewey Morgan. She attended Douglas School and Webster Jr. High in the 1940’s and Benton High School in the early 1950’s. During her high school years, little did she know at the time that her high school English teacher would later become her husband, Kirby.
Carmen was a giving and caring soul. She was kindhearted and gave love and support to her family and friends. She was a lover of animals as she raised and rescued many dogs, cats, and a groundhog named Woody. Carmen worked at Simmons’s Drug Store on the Benton square and Lampley Electronics in the 1950’s. She worked in the court house for her father-in-law, Barney Browning, when he was the Franklin County Sheriff in the early 1970’s. She transported ladies to dialysis treatments, delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly, and taught many a child swimming lessons. She was a Christian, a Sunday school teacher, and she shared the love, beliefs, and devotion of God with her husband, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.

Carmen was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Carmen had a love for Kirby that was so special. She would give him a funny look when he told his tall-tales and half-truths to make everybody laugh, but she always believed everything he said. Carmen met Kirby on the Benton square in 1959 while cruising with her friend. Carmen told her grandmother that she had a date with the sheriff’s son. Her grandmother told her that he would be a “good catch” and was so thrilled that she helped Carmen dress for her first date, which was watching the Browning pond being dug on the family farm. Carmen and Kirby were married the next year at the First Christian Church in Benton, IL and they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage together.

Carmen shared her love of swimming with her children, Bryan and Lisa, and they would often be found at the Browning family pond, on a hot summer day, enjoying floating on rafts and swimming and diving from the dock. She was always up on the latest fashions. She loved to shop and took pride in helping her granddaughter to develop the skill. Carmen enjoyed her time with her children and grandchildren, introducing them to 50’s and 60’s music by playing albums on the record player and by telling many a ghost story. Carmen loved listening to her talented son and grandsons play and sing music to her. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren for their successes, and she looked forward to their visits.

Carmen is survived by her son Bryan Browning; daughter Lisa (Browning) Brown; six grandchildren: Kelsea (Cory) Peacock, Jonathan (Ashley) Brown, Brandtlee Brown, Matthew Browning, Elissa Brown, Will Browning; one great granddaughter: Lily Pigg; four sister-in-laws: Mary Lou Shelton, Carolyn Upchurch, Sue (Jim) Wells, Becky Mandrell; two brothers-in-laws: Donald Browning, Joe (Evelyn) Browning; a special cousin: Faye (Morgan) Huffman (C.E.); and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kirby Browning; her parents, Fred and Ethel (Morgan) Smith; her grandmother, Pairnasy Missouri (McCurry) Morgan; two brothers: Joseph Windham, Fred Gordon Smith; three brother-in-laws: Kenneth Browning, Jack Shelton, Brad Mandrell; three sister-in-laws: Joyce Smith, Nancy Browning, Jean Browning.
She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends who benefited from her kind heart and giving soul. Her faith and love in God, Jesus Christ, and her family were her strength.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Tuesday, November 22nd with funeral services following at 1:00 PM at First Christian Church, 302 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Christian Church, Benton, IL.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Darrell Gene Barlow, age 64, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at his home.

A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, 2022, at the Jackson Grove Cemetery, with Pastor Phillip Kennedy officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Darrell was born on October 26, 1958 in Benton, Illinois; the son of Hubert Barlow and Juanita (Summers) Barlow.

He enjoyed hunting, watching the news on the television, drinking iced tea, hanging out with his friends; but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Darrell is survived by his loving mother Juanita Barlow of Thompsonville; two daughters: Tiffany Blankenship of Logan, Shannon Baker of Herrin; five grandchildren: Marshall Norris, Morgan Norris, Jamee Cole, Payton Blankenship, Cami Roberts; a brother Bennie Barlow of Benton; a niece Megan Spetter and husband Jordan of Ewing.

He was preceded in death by his father and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

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

Betty DuRietz, age 81, of Waltonville IL died Sunday morning November 13th 2022 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon Il.

Betty was born on December 17th 1940 in Elgin IL. She was the daughter of Alma and Joseph Neal. She was married to her husband, Henry George DuRietz, on August 23rd 1958. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church of Sesser. Betty also retired from the Waltonville Postal Service.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband Henry, and her sister Carol Lee Smith.

Betty is survived by her sister Shirley Lohorn, brother Brian and wife Marilynn Neal; her children Linda Morgan and husband Tim, Dinah Tepovich and husband Randy, Luke DuRietz and wife Tammy; along with grandchildren Sierra Hanus, Justin Tepovich, Roger Schindelar, Malissa Piilani, Katie Bilodeau, Alex DuRietz, Jacob DuRietz; and 14 great grandchildren. Along with nieces and nephews.

Betty was well known for her cheerful whistle. She loved spending time with family, friends and her little dog, Emma. Going out to eat and visit with her dear friends was something she always looked forward to. Betty had a love for working in her flower beds and enjoying beautiful flowers.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday November 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Shane Piilani officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM.

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