April Nicole Sims, 43, formerly of Sesser, passed away June 19, 2021.

She was born on April 4, 1978 in Mt Vernon.

She is survived by her parents Rick and Debi (Cockrum) Sims of Sesser; three children David Lee Sims of Sesser, Thomas Alva Overton of Desoto and Debra Faye Overton of DuQuoin; one brother Ricky (Natasha) Sims West Frankfort; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and one grandmother Donna Cockrum and a very special fur baby “Miss Kitty”.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Guy Sims Sr. (Pappy Sims), Joyce Sims, great grandparents Richard and Mildred Williams, maternal grandparents Robert Cockrum and Eva Horn, great grandparents Ray Bob Cockrum, Lessie Cockrum, Norman and George Spencer, two uncles Robbie Cockrum and Spencer Gilbert and one cousin Justin Markle.

She will be cremated with a Memorial Service on Friday June 25, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:30 AM until 12:00 PM for immediate family only and from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM for the public.

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

Pauline Regis, 99, of Christopher, passed away on Monday June 21, 2021 at Delmar Gardens South in St Louis, MO.

She was born on April 13, 1922 in Royalton to Andrew and Anna (Adamisin) Varga. She married Batiste John Regis on November 15, 1947 and he preceded her in death on November 19, 2016.

She is survived by her two daughters Paula Ann (Ron) Ryan of Mt Olive, IL and Janet Regis (Kerry) Sprimont of St Louis, MO; grandchildren Kristin (Carl) Crawford, Eric (Nicky) Ryan and Megan Regis Sprimont; great grandchildren Catherine, Corinna, Alyssa, Ethan, Addison, Kyrsten, Julia and Jeremy and one sister Clara Varga of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and nine brothers and sisters Andrew Varga, Emrick Varga, Dorothy Rentfro, Anna Zazzara, Michael Varga, Joseph Varga, Julia Varga, Margaret Varga and Irene Varga.

Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday June 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, IL with Father Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be at St Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Royalton, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Aloysius Catholic Cemetery or to Brightfocus Foundation, a foundation for Alzheimer’s disease and Macular Degeneration at www.brightfocus.org.

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

SESSER – Brian Howard Lewis, 45, of Sesser, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 20, 2021.

Surviving is his loving wife of 21 years, Alyssa Lewis of Sesser, IL; one daughter: Sydney Lewis of Sesser, IL; one brother Terry Lewis of Ina, IL; parents Tim and Phyllis (Blackwell) Lewis of Ina, IL; father-in-law and mother-in-law David and Karen Harrison of Sesser, IL.

Brian was a devoted husband, father, and friend and was a faithful member of Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser, where he served as a Trustee and Sunday School Superintendent.

He was preceded in death by his infant sister Kelly Michelle Lewis and his grandparents Howard and Betty Lewis and Marlin and Pearl Blackwell.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, June 23 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 24 Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Bro. Curtis Smith officiating. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Tamaroa, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church for International and North American Missions and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Fayretta L. McPheron, 81, of Valier, passed away on Friday June 18, 2021 at Hartland regional Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on October 26, 1939 in Indiana to Rev. Ralph and Cleo (Holt) Underwood. She married Bobby McPheron and he survives of Valier.

She is also survived by two sons Aaron R. McPheron of Christopher and Jason L. (Keri) McPheron of Cleveland, TN; five grandchildren Billie Fox, Kristi Hampton, Jayln McPheron, Lily McPheron and Daisy McPheron; one great granddaughter Isabella and one brother Ralphie (Carolyn) Underwood of Coldwater, MI and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Robyn Fay Fox and two brothers Fred Underwood and Bill Underwood.

She retired in 1995 after 35 years of marketing service for South Central Bell Telephone Company. Fay was a wonderful apostolic woman, she assisted her husband pastor for twelve years in Kentucky and Michigan. She was an outstanding piano player and was an anointed singer with a voice that would pull you into the very presence of God. Her home church was God’s House Pentecostal Church in Tilden, IL, where Rev. Phillip Easton pastors.

Funeral services for Fay will be on Wednesday June 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev Phillip Easton officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday June 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Nancy Elaine “Shorty” Tasky, age 78, of Benton; passed away at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the Benton Healthcare and Rehab Center of Benton.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

Public services will be held at a future date.

Cremation services are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Nancy was born on February 25, 1943, in Franklin County, Illinois; the daughter of Virgil Moore and Fern (Cashen) Moore. She married Bill E. Tasky on September 6, 1958; and he survives.
Mrs. Tasky was a former waitress having worked at Engert’s Café, Circle Drive and the Holiday Inn. She also formerly worked as a beautician. Later she became an LPN and worked for almost 30 years as a nurse. She retired from the Marshall Browning Hospital in Du Quoin.

Shorty loved shopping, especially for shoes, watches, and purses. She collected Tiffany lamps; and loved to supervise Bill in their garden.

She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Surviving is her ex-husband Bill Tasky of Benton; two daughters: Kim Mandrell and husband Mike of Benton, Christine Richardson of Benton; a son William David Tasky of Virginia; grandchildren: Heather Young and husband Keith of Benton, John Tasky and wife Heather of West Frankfort, Lacey Cooksey and husband Andrew of Thompsonville, Michael David Tasky of Virginia, Sabrina Tasky of Virginia, Damian Parker and wife Amanda of Murfreesboro, TN; great-grandchildren: Alex, Jace, Grayson, Dexter and Adylynne; a brother David Cummings of Benton; a half-sister Rebecca Robinson of Zeigler..

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter Terry Lynn Tasky; a son Bruce Allen Tasky; and a son-in-law D.T. Richardson.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Nancy Tasky, to the Franklin County Animal Shelter 13163 Oddfellow Lane, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Deborah “Debbie” Kay Pribble, 68, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:41 p.m., on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at her home in Thompsonville.

She was born on September 6, 1952, to Marvin and Freda (Foster) Hobbs at Peoria, IL. She married Tim Pribble and he survives.

Debbie was a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed taking pictures, making crafts and watching animals while spending time on her porch. She was very positive and inspiring and one word to describe Debbie would be faithful. She was always looking on the good side of any situation.

Deborah is survived by her mother, Freda Hobbs of Benton, IL; her loving spouse, Tim Pribble; children, Jeremiah (Dana) Pribble of Goreville, IL, Amanda (Kris) Mayberry of Norris City, IL, Josh (Stacy) Pribble of Thompsonville, IL and Jacob Pribble; eight grandchildren, Loren Pribble, Shelby Pribble, Blaire Mayberry, Marissa Mayberry, Brayden Mayberry, Alan Pribble, Casey Pribble, Courtney Pribble and her brother, Charles Hobbs.

he was preceded in death by father, Marvin Hobbs.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Travis Wade Todd, 43, of Murphysboro, passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

He was born on February 17, 1978, to Ralph and Donna (Essary) Todd in Benton, IL. Travis worked as a Relief Operator for Continental General Tire.

Travis was a member of Rescue Freewill Baptist Church, Whittington, IL. He loved spending time with family, hunting, fishing and outdoor activities. Travis enjoyed sharing his passion of the outdoors with his family and friends.

Travis is survived by his one daughter, Alysha Walker of Sesser; two sons, Hunter Wade Todd of Sesser and Ryker Vance Todd of Murphysboro; one brother, Brandon Wayne Todd of Benton; two grandchildren, Arbor Walker and Paxton Walker both of Sesser; former wife, Angel Marie Todd; and girlfriend, Brandie Jean Phillips-Perez.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Dwayne Todd.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home with Brother Bryant Harris, officiating.
Memorials may be made to Brandie Jean Phillips-Perez for Ryker Vance Todd, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Lois Jean Shepherd, 83, of Thompsonville, passed away at 8:36 a.m., on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at her home in Thompsonville, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 9, 1938, to Clarence and Elma (Gibbs) Williams in Benton, IL. On December 31, 1955, she married Charles Shepherd and he preceded her in death on March 6, 2003.

She was a proud member of New Life Church of God Church in Benton. She had a passion for serving at the church and being involved as much as possible.

Lois was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to many. She enjoyed crafting, cooking and playing with her grandchildren.

Lois is survived by her two sons, Charles E. Shepherd, Jr. and Rex (Tammy) Allen Shepherd; one daughter, Jean (Keith) Harbour: a special daughter, Fawn Lorenz; 12 grandchildren, Chad (Lana) Shepherd, Nick Shepherd, Chaise (Reese) Woolsey, Caylee Woolsey, Ashley (Matt) Coe, Misty Ruiz, Kristen (Michael) Rubio, Ryan (Katie) Harris, Jeremy (Brandy) Harbour, Carrie (Josh) Dix, Dylan Lorenz andDalton Thompson; and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elma Williams; her husband, Charles Shepherd; son, Billy Gene Shepherd; sister, Lorine Bird; and a granddaughter, Cami Jo Shepherd.

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

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. at the New Life Church of God, 707 N. DuQuoin St., Benton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to New Life Church of God.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

William S. Richardson, 90, passed away on June 12, 2021, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his family.

William was born to Frank and Ethel (Bolen) Bain Richardson on October 19, 1930, on Terrapin Hill in rural Franklin County, Illinois. He was a second-generation lifelong farmer and resident of Northern Township in rural Franklin County, and often marveled at the fact when the leaves were off the trees, he could look out his back window and see the home place where he was born. After he retired from farming and even later after he and his wife moved into Benton, his favorite pastime was driving around to look at the crops and other happenings in all, of Northern Township.

William was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton and was a member of Frisco Missionary Baptist Church for several years before it dissolved.

He and his loving wife Jane were married for over 71 years, and she survives. He is also survived by one son, William K. Richardson and his wife Amy; one daughter, Sherri Wilson and her husband Dale; three grandsons, Clayton Richardson and fianceé Zina Smith, Joshua (Brianna) Wilson, Colton Richardson and girlfriend Alexandria Cairel; one granddaughter, Sidney Wilson; two beautiful great-granddaughters, Hadley and Arya; three sisters-in-law, Ava (Dale) Denault, Barb Zinke, and Carolyn (Bob) Higgins; a very special niece, Mary Belle Sweetin; several other nieces and nephews; and his Richardson cousins, Kenny and Dale.
He was preceded in death by his parents; half-brothers Oris Bain, Ellis Bain, Lewis Bain, and Royal Bain; infant sister, Norma Richardson; half-sister Lorene Richardson Kern; and brother-in-law, Elmer Zinke.
William was the grandson of a Civil War veteran. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 during the Korean War era, stationed in occupied Germany, and honorably discharged. In the early years of their marriage Jane followed him to basic training and they lived in Alexandria, Virginia before he was deployed to Europe.

William was an active member of the Democrat party, having served as Northern Township Precinct Committeeman over 50 years, Northern Township Trustee for over 16 years, Franklin County Democrat Party Treasurer, and actively worked on the campaigns for several national, state, and local elections, including those of Harry S. Truman, Paul Simon, Glen Poshard, and David Phelps.

William was an active member of the community and accomplished much in his 90 years on earth. He was a 4-H leader before and after military service and coached a 4-H softball team all the way to the state tournament. His contributions to Franklin County, Southern Illinois, and the State of Illinois include serving on the Franklin County Farm Bureau as President and Vice President, Land of Lincoln Soybean Board, Illinois Farm Development Board of Directors, Franklin County Extension Council, Franklin County Soil & Water Board, Franklin County Zoning & Planning Commission, Akin Water District Board as Chairman, Southern Illinois Production Credit Association as President, Illinois Finance Authority Board, and 43 years on the board of Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative, being elected Chairman four times.

William was a devoted husband and proud father and grandfather, having rarely missed any events of his grandchildren. He was generous with his time and resources and had the ability to carry on a conversation with anyone at any time or place, thus why politics and community service came so naturally to him. He will be deeply missed by his family and all those whose lives he touched.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at the Immanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Kern and Rev. Richard Lance officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery of Ewing. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church on the day of the services or may be sent to the Leffler Funeral Home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of William S. Richardson, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com