Norma Jo Williams, 84, of Royalton, went to heaven to be with the love of her life Donald Williams.

She was born on January 22, 1937 in Royalton to Voglia and Elia (Bianchini) Battaglia. She married Donald Williams on May 19, 1956 and he preceded her in death on April 14, 1978.

She is survived by her daughters Valerie Menckowski of Benton and Donna Jo (Gary) Smith of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Michael Ben (Kristy) Menckowski, Krissy (Thomas) Reid, Gary Don Smith and Angela Coloni, Dina Jo (David) Stritzel; great grandchildren Drew, Kamryn, Carson, Brenson, Amelia, Sylvia and Jaden, sister-in-law Carol Sloan, and her special friends Angie Crnokrak, Mary Hewlett and Ruth/Doris and one son-in-law Mike Menckowski.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one special friend Brenda Lethiot.

Graveside service will be on Friday August 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner with Sister Laura Reynolds officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Harrison Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Laura “Jeannie” Davis, 81, of Mulkeytown, passed away on August 9, 2021 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

She was born on February 21, 1940 in New Florence, MO. She married Ralph Ivan Davis on October 29, 1966 and he preceded her in death on April 4, 2016.

She is survived by her son Bill (Robin) Acord of Mulkeytown; two grandchildren Stephanie N. Acord and Ryan G. Acord and three great grandchildren Gage, Harper and Hudson.

She was the past president of the Franklin County Women’s Democratic Committee and was a former precinct committee person. She was a member of the Mulkeytown Christian Church and loved her family and friends very much.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Christian Church with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church.

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

Brent Alan Wall, 49, of West Frankfort, IL, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, August 09, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Brent was born August 10, 1971, in West Frankfort, to Kenneth Gene Wall and Joyce Ann (Fox) Wall.

Brent married Dana Leigh (Harlan) Wall on June 08, 2013. God has blessed their marriage for eight beautiful years.

Brent is survived by his wife, Dana, two children, Addison and Jace Wall, a brother, Larry (Crissy) Wall, of West Frankfort, sisters Rita (Bob) Bechelli, Karen (Tony) Melvin, Lori (Earl) Halterman and Janet (James) Holland, all from West Frankfort, IL, and his sister, Vickie Wall, Mooresville, NC.

Also surviving are father and mother in law, Gary (Donna) Harlan, West Frankfort, Sister and Brother in Law, Amy (Aaron) Cantrell and their children, Kanon and Kash, of Benton, IL.

Brent was blessed with several nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins and a host of friends and special people whose lives he’s touched in an immeasurable way.

Brent was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sherry Wall.

Brent was a member of Whittington Church in Whittington, Il, where he was very active in many ministries of the church, including teaching bible and Sunday school and the group, Ordinary Men.

Brent was the leader of Celebrate Recovery Ministries. On Tuesday evenings, Brent dedicated devotions at Bible Bin at Tom VanZandt’s home.

Brent was an avid fisherman. If he and his son Jace weren’t fishing, you could find him coaching Jace’s other sporting events, including baseball and football or attending his daughter Addison’s soccer or volleyball games. Brent was also a dedicated and devoted fan to the Chicago Cubs.

In Brent’s spare time, he shared his early mornings walking the West Frankfort City Park with his brother, Larry and drinking coffee at Bonnie’s Cafe.

He was a fervent leader and follower of Christ and passionately witnessed to anyone he met along the way. Brent never met a stranger, greeted everyone with a smile and an open heart and left them better than he found them. It was his every wish to share what he knew about Jesus and to leave them with the saying, “Have a blessed day!” He will be sadly missed, but his Godly presence will live in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Brent’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 1 p.m., at Whittington Church in Whittington, IL, with Reverends Mark Minor and Guy Webster officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL.
Memorial contributions can be made to further the education of his two children to Dana Wall.

Parker-Reedy Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Norma Jean Uhles, 54, of Benton, IL passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.

Norma was born in Benton, IL on September 6, 1966, the daughter of Harry & Mildred (Lampley) Eubanks.

She married William R. Uhles in 1983, and he survives.

Norma was a member of the Valier Second Baptist Church. She was a very avid worker, she loved ministering to kids. She loved to serve the Lord, she didn’t just talk the talk she lived in Faith. Norma was a homemaker, she loved her kids & grandkids, taking care of animals on the farm, sewing, baking, fishing, camping and having a big meal around the table. She never met a stranger. She loved her family with all her heart. to quote Bill “She was not only my wife, but my best friend.”

Mrs. Uhles is survived by her:
Husband: Bill Uhles of Benton
3 Children:
Jennifer McIntosh of Sullivan, IN
Matt Uhles of Benton
Mark Uhles & wife Molly of Waltonville, IL
10 Grandchildren: Raley, Tenley, Khloe, Oliver, River, Ellie Mae, Colt, Matthew, Savannah & Kylie
1 Sister: Judy Clark & husband Mike of Benton
2 Nephews:
Chris McCann
Jeremiah McCann
2 Nieces:
Alisha Craddock
Nikki Ramey
Uncle: Bill Lampley of Benton

Norma was preceded in death by her Parents and by 1 Grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 14th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Valier Second Baptist Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

William F. “Bill” Thomas 94, ended his journey in this life on August 7, 2021

He was born on July 14, 1927 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi the last of eight children born to Ethel (Karnes) and Jonnie Thomas.

While just a few months old, the Thomas Family moved to West City where “Bill” lived on West Webster Street the rest of his life. Mr. Thomas graduated from BTHS in 1945 and immediately went into the service during WWII. He was very active in the affairs of West City. He first served his Village as a trustee, beginning in 1955. He was mayor from 1985 to 1989. Following that, he again served as trustee several terms. He was later appointed zoning administrator by Mayor Ross Cockrum.

West City had no sewer system until the 1970’s, relying on septic tanks for each household’s waste. He was instrumental during the term of Mayor J. B. Kearney, to successfully persuade the residents to approve bonding for a new water and sewer system in 1976. West City had barely been able to survive until the sewers were installed. As a result, Rend Lake Plaza was established with Walmart becoming the “savior” of West City through sales tax collected and then remitted to the village.

West City is now a flourishing and prosperous village, due to the efforts of Mr. Thomas and others. He was proud to be alive when Walmart became a Supercenter along with other national chains coming to West City such as McDonald’s, Applebees, Rural King and many others.

Mr. Thomas also served four years on the Franklin County Board. He was chairman of the Health Committee when the county created the first landfill near Eakin Grove Church, and when the first county dog pound was created for the county.

Mr. Thomas was “saved” in a revival at the First Baptist Church of West City in 1937, at the age of ten years. He served as song leader for thirty years. Also served as church clerk, trustee, training director, and Sunday School teacher. When Paul Dann was pastor in the 1950’s television was just beginning to be readily available to everyone. Together, Rev. Dann and “BIll” as song leader, would take the church choir to Harrisburg, Channel 3 WSIL, to provide a service, monthly, on television.

While all these activities were going on, “Bill” married Anne Miglin in 1950, built a new house in 1952 at 709 West Webster, next to the old home where he was reared. In 1956 he established Thomas Printing and Stationery Company at 702 West Main Street where Plaza Tire now stands.

When Interstate 57 came through West City, it became necessary to move the printing business. Mr. Thomas then designed and had built a new building for the business at 301 South DuQuoin Street in Benton. The printing business is still being operated by Mike and Barbara Thomas after 65 years.

Also, during their years Anne and “Bill” had three sons born to them. Namely, Alan, Van and Michael. Bill is survived by Alan and wife Deborah, Benton, Van and wife Joyce of Chesterton, Indiana, and Michael and Barbara Thomas of Benton. Grandchildren are Beth, Aaron, Clayton, Eva, and Stuart Thomas and great grandchild Jake Lemeshko, in Beaumont, Texas.

Wife Anne Miglin Thomas died on February 10, 2003 after 52 years of marriage.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 13 at 1:00 P. M. with visitation starting at 11:00 A. M. until time of the service at the Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts and the Army Honor Guard will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, beside his departed wife.

May you all have pleasant memories of William F. “Bill” Thomas.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Evelyn Jean Furlow, 85, of Christopher, passed away on Friday August 6, 2021 at her home.

She was born on June 19, 1936 in Benton, IL to Henry Johnson and Edna Evelyn (McDonald) Herbert. She married Bill Furlow on August 23, 1958 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her son Rodney (Karen) Furlow of Mulkeytown; granddaughters Brittney Boner, Alexandra (Aaron Gonzalez) Boner, Katie (Cullen) Matthews and Lily Furlow & John Davey; great grandchildren Olivia Gonzalez, Damien Gonzalez, Harrison Matthews, Amelia Matthews and Nathaniel Hayes; one sister Judy Doxsie of Benton and one brother Joe (Carolynn) Herbert of West Frankfort.

She loved to travel, crochet, and most important she loved spending time with her family. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter Pamela (Furlow) Dunmyer.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 10, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Entombment will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Victoria Theresa Brachear, 76 , of Benton, IL, peacefully passed away on August 2nd, 2021, surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Vicki was born on March 26th, 1945 to Victor and Cora Cavatorta, in Taylorville, IL.

On June 24, 1968 she married Warren Brachear. They shared 36 years of marriage prior to his death in 2004. Together they raised six children: Tamara Green of Taylorville, IL, Michael (Darla) Brachear of Benton, IL, Kevin (Nordela) Scott of Fort Worth, Texas, Greg (Joyce) Brachear of Decatur, IL, Tracy (Steve) Brown of DuQuoin, IL and Jackie (Mark) Taylor of Benton, IL. Additionally, she is survived by 16 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Other survivors include her sister Brendina Vandeventer of Tovey, IL, Jim (Maralyn) Cavatorta of Tovey, IL, Josephine Wingo of Perry, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sister Zoey Hunter, and brother Victor Cavatorta.
For many years, Vicki served as a homemaker for the large family. Later she worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Wal-mart in Benton and Macomb IL where she enjoyed spending time with her co-workers and regular customers. She enjoyed her Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in DuQuoin and serving as a volunteer in the nursery there.

Vicki loved taking care of her family and always was there to listen, support, encourage and provide advice. She loved visits from her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was especially fond of fishing with her great grandson.

Vicki loved fresh flowers and enjoying the nature surrounding her country home. Late in life, Vicki enjoyed traveling with her adult children. She was passionate about spending time with family and creating loving memories.

Private funeral services will be held on Wednesday at the Morton Johnson Funeral Home with Reverend Joe Wagner officiating. Graveside service will follow at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton, IL.

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

Speranza “Frances” Sluzevich, 100, of Benton, Illinois went Home to be with the Lord at 12:30 A.M. on August 2, 2021.

Frances was born on April 6, 1921 in Coello, Illinois. On March 29, 1942, she married Sam Sluzevich who preceded her in death in May 1986. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Eride Bial, brother John Gasparini and son-in-law Don Neal. Frances was a faithful servant of the Helps Ministry and Seniors Ministry at Whittington Church where she was a long-time member. She was also an avid Cubs fan who finally got to see her beloved Cubbies win the World Series. For her 100th birthday this year, she was blessed to have a dream come true and was able to celebrate it at Wrigley Field with her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling, reading, crocheting and working crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her two sons and daughter: Sam Sluzevich and wife Belinda of Jacksonville, Florida, David Sluzevich, and wife Carol of Parrish, Florida, and Kay Neal of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Dr. Jason Sluzevich of Jacksonville, Florida, Aaron Sluzevich of San Antonio, TX, Debbie Crawford, and husband Doug of Benton, IL, Cassie Gilliam and husband Tyler of Minnesota City, Minnesota, Ginny Phillips and husband Brandon of Bradenton, Florida, and Kristina Coleman, and husband Justin of Franklin, TN; five great-grandchildren, Landon Phillips, Callie Phillips, Journey Coleman, Julia Coleman and Grant Sluzevich.

Services will be held at Whittington Church, Whittington, IL on Wednesday, August 4th at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Mark Minor & Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Burial will be in the Maonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, Frances requested that donations be made to the Helps Ministries or Senior Ministries of Whittington Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com