Roberta Joyce Barnfield, age 73, of Benton, passed away at 2:50 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Aperion Care of Fairfield, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Mrs. Barnfield was born on December 12, 1948, in Thompsonville, Illinois, the daughter of Roy R. Piercy and Margaret (Absher) Piercy. She married Kenneth Eugene Barnfield on April 5, 1966, and he survives.

She formerly worked as a CNA, fiberglass and body repair at many of our former boat manufacturers, and she worked at Maytag until its closure.

Roberta enjoyed camping, fishing, cross-stitch, knitting, and crocheting. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and going on picnics and hiking with them at Garden of the Gods.

She was a member of New Life Church of God in Benton, where she enjoyed worshipping with her church family.

Surviving is her loving husband of 56 years, Kenneth Eugene Barnfield, Sr.; three children: Michelle Elaine Shurtz of Marion, Illinois, Cindy Ann Schmechel of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Kenneth Eugene Barnfield, Jr. of McLeansboro, Illinois; two granddaughters: Taylor Lenae Koch of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Chelsea Renae Smith of McLeansboro, Illinois; five great-grandchildren: Rylen, Walker, Charli, Vedder and Presley; siblings: Roy Russell Piercy of Sikeston, Missouri, Randy Piercy and wife Margaret of Soperton, Georgia, Leslie Piercy and wife Barb of Marion, Illinois, Garry Piercy and wife Dianna of Benton, Illinois, Pam Barwick and husband John of Marion, Illinois; two sisters-in-law: Sharon Piercy of Benton, Diane Piercy of Marion, Illinois; several nieces and nephews.

Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; a granddaughter Brittani Nichole Shurtz; a brother Dennis Piercy; maternal grandmother Una Absher; paternal grandparents: Nathan and Dolly Piercy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Church of God and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

John Daniel Stelle, 74, of Waverly, OH, passed away on Tuesday November 29, 2022 at Chillicothe VA Medical Center.

He was born on January 29, 1948 in Christopher to Ben and Lenora (Armstrong) Stelle. He married Linda Stelle and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Danielle Jean (Brian) Bailey of Evansville, IN and Steven (Traci) Stelle of Oklahoma; step-daughters Christina Williams of Johnston City, IL, Anna Carter of West Frankfort, IL and Sheila Clark of Benton; grandchildren Caden Bailey, Kirsten Bailey, Dakota Jones, Cage Stelle and Reven Stelle; one sister Betty (Donnie) Stroud of Waverly, OH and one brother Tom (Julie) Stelle of Mattoon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Susan Morgan and one sister Margaret Stelle.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday December 7, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Wednesday 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

Gladys Eulene (Green) Wright, age 80
October 27, 1942 – November 29, 2022
Loving wife, mother, sister, Granny, and friend peacefully passed away at home after a long battle with cancer. She was born to Lester and Dora (Creech) Green in Blair, KY. She married James Wright on July 26, 1960 and shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Eulene loved all of God’s creation including the company of friends, being outside, and tending many gardens. She enjoyed being with her grandkids and great-grandchildren. She was the best Granny ever. She was a member of Ina Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband James Wright of Whittington, IL. Children Jennifer Bjorlin (Dugan) Becker, MN, James Lee Wright (Gina) Kalispell, MT, Cynthia Wright, Sesser, IL, Teresa Thompson, Whittington, IL.

Grandchildren Tiffany Baune (Jason), Samantha Swofford, Joshua Bjorlin (Dani), Tyler Thompson, Shane Swofford, Makala Bishop (Caleb). Step grandchildren Max, Alex, Nicholas, and Sophia Sulzbacher. Great grandchildren Nevaeh, Brynlee, and Nolan Baune, Noah Wright, Lucy and Leo Bjorlin, and Briggston Bishop.

Sister Betty Tackett (Arnold) Marion, OH
Brother-in-law Martin Wright Jr. Dearborn Heights, MI
Sister-in-law Vickie Moore (Birchell) Howe, IN
In-laws Judy Kirk (Charlie)
Many nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Dora Green, brothers Tom Green, Jimmy Green, Eugene Green and baby brother Green.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Dale Burzynski officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday and from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

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