Brenda Kay Armstrong, of Benton, IL, departed this earthly world January 25, 2023 to take her place and her forever home next door to Jesus.

Brenda was born November 2, 1950 to the late William (Bevis) Reed and Mathel (Gordon) Reed DeLaval. She married William J. Armstrong on Aug. 23, 1969 and to that union was born their son, William (Billy) Armstrong Jr.

Brenda had eight siblings and spent most of her life sharing the goodness of God with each one of them. She was always the happiest when she got to share the love of her Jesus with anyone and everyone. Although her health declined in which she couldn’t attend her church any longer, she still sang out her praises and served God. She loved her church family and friends.

Brenda leaves behind her husband William J. Armstrong (Benton), her son William (Billy) Armstrong Jr. (St. Charles, Illinois), sisters: Beverly (Carl) Smith, Janet Buckmaster, Trudi (Steve) House all of Benton; Cherylle Reed (Fla.), Ida (Roger) Murry (Sesser): brothers, Gary “Buzz” (Marilyn) Reed, James “Dee-di” Reed (Ashley) of Benton, a sister-in-law Michelle Reed of Buckner, several nieces and nephews, and all of her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents Bevis Reed and Mathel DeLaval, her mother and father-in- law William Jasper and Laura Mae Armstrong, step father Leon DeLaval, brother Ralph Reed, and nephew Howard Wilson.

Although our hearts are broken, we all take comfort in knowing that Brenda will always be remembered with the fondest of memories by everyone that knew her and that she passed knowing how much she is loved, but mostly we know that Brenda is whole again and living forever next door to Jesus.

Funeral sevices for Brenda will be held Monday January 30th at 1 p.m. and visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. until time of the funeral at the West City Church of God, 1231 Route 14 West, in Benton, IL. with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Morton and Johnson Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Nellie Frances Reeves, 85, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday January 22, 2023 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

She was born on June 24, 1938 in Potosi, MO to James and Laura Metcalf.

She is survived by her children Kathy (Chuck) Riley, Rose Munoz, Leann Lord, Marty Reeves and one sister Janet Puhse Metcalf and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Jack Cox, second husband Amos Reeves, three children Leona Nienhaus, Jack Cox Jr. and David Reeves and two sisters Donna Cook and Norma Hall.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday January 30. 2023 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.

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

Marvin Wayne Sullivan, age 60, of Benton, passed away at 1:36 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 2023, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Marvin was born on December 16, 1962, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Howard C. Sullivan and Bertha (Gunter) Sullivan. He married the former Jennifer Lee Crawford on September 24, 1988, and together they shared 34 years of marriage.
He worked as a truck tire builder at Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Marvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving is his loving wife Jennifer Sullivan of Benton; a daughter Britney Mocaby and husband Bryan of Benton; a son Hunter Sullivan and fiancée Alayna Nelson of Marion; four grandchildren: Colton Sullivan, Zaden Mocaby, Creek Mocaby, and Zalei Mocaby; four sisters: Brenda Houseworth, Debbie King, Sandy Bright, and Lora Loucks; three brothers: Cecil Sullivan, Melvin Sullivan, and Bert Sullivan. He is also survived by his grand-puppy Pepper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Marvin, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Peter Edward Popit, age 71, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, January 15, at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Peter was born on June 17, 1951, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Edward Popit and Rose Kirn Popit. As the baby of his immediate and extended family, he was much loved by his three sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He attended St. Anastasia Elementary School in Waukegan and high school at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Illinois. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in American Studies and graduated in 1973. This is where he met his future wife, Ellen Hanahue, who was a student at St. Mary’s College. He attended Southern Illinois University Law School and graduated in 1977. During that time, he served as a VISTA volunteer in the South Bronx from 1974 to 1975 and married Ellen in 1975.

Upon graduation from law school, Peter began to practice law in Franklin County, Illinois. He continued that work for over forty years with his partners Edwina Warner and Jeff Troutt. Besides being a lawyer and family man, he was an avid golfer and pinochle player as well as a devoted fan of the Fighting Irish. All these activities brought him lifelong friendships, and he was affectionately known as “Pete the Pie Man” by members of the West Frankfort Arts Council. Other hobbies included writing poetry, cooking, and watching old movies.

Peter was a deeply spiritual man with a knack of using his gifts to serve others. His contributions to St. John’s included serving as school board president while his children were in school. His seat of choice in church was always in the choir loft, so you could find him there singing with the rest of the group. He also took comfort in attending regular retreats at the White House Jesuit Retreat Center in St. Louis.

At work or at home, with family or friends, Peter was a gentle soul with a rascally side. He never was afraid to share words of wisdom with his children or patiently guide those with whom he worked. At the same time, he liked to tease his sisters mercilessly and participate in a good water gun fight.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Hanahue Popit; his children, Ned Popit, Kevin and his wife Jocelyn Popit, and Mary Frances and her husband Luke Townsend; his siblings, Mary Elizabeth Popit, SHCJ, Patricia and her husband, Dr. Ronald Stanczak, and Kathleen Popit, SHCJ. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Anne Popit, Joseph Popit, and Patrick Townsend.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 28, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in West Frankfort, Illinois. Visitation will be held on January 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois. Interment will be held at a later date at the Cedar Grove Cemetery on the campus of the University of Notre Dame.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John the Baptist Church and Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute. Peter’s family wishes to thank the devoted healthcare professionals at the Siteman Cancer Center and the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute.

William “Bill” Carr, age 83, of Benton, passed away, after a long illness, at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the VA Medical Center of Marion.

Celebration of Life Visitation Services will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Scripture and a eulogy was read by a Chaplain at the Veteran’s “Heroes Homecoming” private family only service on Thursday at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

William Scott Carr was born on June 23, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Scott Carr and Mildred (Griffin) Carr. He married the former Judith Ann Stanley on November 22, 1958; together they shared 64 years of marriage.
He retired as an account specialist with Kirby-Risk Electrical Supply (formerly known as Kiefer Electric). He would later work for the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, where he worked as a transport officer.
Bill was a longtime member of the Benton Elks Lodge #1234, Boneyard Boccie Ball Club, and the Benton American Legion Post #280.He was a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Bill enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada, hunting, barbequing for his family, rooting for his Chicago Cubs and Bears. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren.
Surviving is his loving wife of 64 years Judy Carr of Benton; a son Scott Carr and wife Carmy of Benton; a daughter Renee and husband

Richard of Texas; grandchildren: Christy Calonne and husband Brian, Courtney Weir, Kaley Venable, and Nicholas Lowe; great-grandchildren: Ryian, and Ashtyn Calonne, Chloe and Claire Swain, Connie, Cady, and Caleb Lowe; a sister-in-law Dawn Kirk; nephews Rodney Kirk and Jeff Kirk; nieces Terri Lambert and Laurie Van Dyke; also surviving is his special dog Ernie.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Patrick Carr; an infant sister Betty; and a sister Janet Carr Cheatham.
Memorial contributions in memory of William “Bill” Carr, may be made to organization of the donor’s choice, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lillie Mae (Price) Painter, 85, of Valier, passed away on January 11, 2023 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on April 26, 1937 in Royalton, IL to Everett William and Lizzie Della (Adkins) Price. She married James “Jim” N. Painter on June 21, 1956.

She is survived by her husband Jim Painter of Valier; two daughters Tracy Ann Painter of Edwardsville, IL and Amy Jo (Daniel) McKean of Homewood KS; grandchildren Dustin Caine Sizemore, Alexander James McKean and Jack Thomas McKean and several; she was known as “Aunt Sissy” to her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters Lois Bradley, Ruby Bartlow and Myrtle June Kunz and two brothers Frank James “Budge” Price and Steven Alan Price.

Lillie was born in Royalton but was raised in Christopher and was a member of the Christopher Marching Band, she was very active in school plays and graduated from the Christopher High School in 1955. She was a purchasing agent for the Department of Defense in St Louis, MO, and when she lived in Brunswick, GA with her husband, she was very active in many organizations.

Funeral services will be on Saturday at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the First Christian Church in Christopher, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

William Robert “Bill” Cockrum, Jr., 59, of Knoxville, TN; passed away January 1, 2023, at his home.

Bill was born on March 31, 1963, in Benton, the son of William Robert Cockrum, Sr. and Judith Rae (Moore) Cockrum.

He was an HVAC Technician in the Knoxville, Tennessee region. He was a member of Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M. (now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64); Ansar Shriners of Springfield, Illinois where he was part of their bagpipe and drums.

Bill enjoyed working; but in his spare time, he liked to hunt, fish, and enjoyed dirt track sprint car races.

He is survived by his father William Robert “Bob” Cockrum, Sr. of Benton, Illinois; close friends: Dan Aiken of Wood Dale, Illinois, Chris Bowers of Knoxville, Tennessee; three aunts: Linda Davis and husband Gary, Betty Vick and Kathy King all of Benton, Illinois; two uncles: Curtis Cockrum and wife Rhonda of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Kenneth Cockrum and wife Amy of Benton; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother; his maternal grandparents Dale and Lois Moore, and paternal grandparents Robert and Mary Cockrum.

His wishes are to be cremated with no services.

Arrangements are with Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

George Simpkins, age 72, of Benton; passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.

George’s wishes are to be cremated. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

Mr. Simpkins was born on December 12, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois; the son of George Simpkins and Mary Beth (McCarthy) Simpkins. He married the former Janice Marie Rogers on November 28, 1985; and she survives.

He was a retired truck driver with USF Holland Trucking. He was a Christian.

George enjoyed truck driving, telling jokes, making people laugh and leaving them feeling happy. He enjoyed a Diet Coke and a cigarette; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Janice Simpkins of Benton; a daughter Cristy of Chicago; three step-children: Richard David Roche of Wisconsin, Joseph Roche of Crown Point, Indiana, Michelle Rogers of Mishawaka, Indiana; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren with another due in 2023; special nieces: Kathy, Lisa and Candice; special nephews: Hershel, Michael and Alan; and his dog Shadow.

Mr. Simpkins was preceded in death by his parents; a step-daughter Norine Roche; his father-in-law Dave Rogers; and a brother-in-law Bobby Rogers.

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

Margie Jean Sipp (Zook), 85, of Benton, passed away at 9:37 p.m., on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital.

She was born on September 26, 1937, to Jake and Eddie B (Hayden) Sipp in East Prairie, MO.

She was a member of the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church. Margie was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, knitting and watching western movies.

Margie is survived by her children, Karen Zook of Benton, IL, Tammy (Mike) McCollum of Benton, IL and Pamela Zook of Benton, IL; son-in-law, David McClerren; sister, Jackie (Mark) Wamble of Bertrand, MO; brothers, Bobby (Brenda) Sipp of Imperial, MO, Eddie (Pauline) Sipp of Bertrand, MO and Ricky (Debbie) Sipp of Bertrand, MO; grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah) McCollum, Travis (Marcie) McCollum, Eric (Kailee) McCollum, Jennifer McClerren, Byron McClerren and Shawn Zook and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Eddie B Sipp; a son, Kevin Zook; and brother, Bruce Sipp of Bonne Terre, MO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Joe Zbinden, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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