Linda Cockrum, 72, of Sesser, passed away on March 28, 2021 in Mesa, Arizona.

She was born on February 10, 1949 in Benton, IL to James Taylor and Myrl (Hayse) Taylor-Frye. She married Billy Cockrum on March 22, 1967 and he preceded her in death on April 26, 1996.

She is survived by her daughters Staci (Jimmy) Hood of Valier, Christy (Rodrigo) Sanchez of Vail, AZ and Wendy (John) Kirkpatrick of Madison, AL; eight grandchildren Jacob (Nikki Lepretre) Sanchez, Ashley Sanchez, Derek (Emily Cavinder) Hood, Courtney Hood, Kensi Kirkpatrick, Kade Kirkpatrick and Kylie Kirkpatrick; one great grandson Jayce Sanchez and one brother Darrel Bigham of Sesser.

She was preceded parents, husband and one brother James “Butch” Taylor.

Graveside services will be on May 8, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Marilyn J. Stacey, 86, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday April 6, 2021 at the Franklin Hospital.

She was born on May 16, 1934 in Sesser, IL to Matt and Edna (Lucas) Harle. She married Bill John Stacey on January 17, 1952 and he preceded her in death on July 11, 2005.

She is survived by her children Karen Redding of Sesser and John (Teresa) Stacey of Sesser; grandchildren Jeff (Melissa) Wingo, Jon (Trisha) Wingo, Michael (Maria) Redding, Matt Redding, Alecia Stacey and Maggie Stacey; great grandchildren Dala, Breana, Kali, Kassi, Kelsi, Allison, Alec, Reese, Abagail, Naomi and Emmy Jean and several great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Kathy Hopson and one great grandson David Wingo.

She was the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk for the City of Sesser for many decades.

Funeral services for Marilyn will be on Friday April 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

William “Bill” McGlasson, 87, of DuQuoin, passed away on April 5, 2021 at the DuQuoin Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on October 11, 1933 in Mulkeytown, IL to Karl and Opal (Henson) McGlasson. He married Helen (Roberts) McGlasson on May 9, 1964.

He is survived by his wife Helen McGlasson of DuQuoin; one son Bill (Chris) McGlasson of Columbia, MO; one daughter Kelly Wiggins of DuQuoin; five grandchildren Destiny Wiggins, Shawn Wiggins, DJ Wiggins, Sarah McGlasson and Katherine McGlasson; four great grandchildren Jordan Wiggins, Kindell Graff, Avarie Wiggins and Reece Wiggins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Gerald McGlasson.

He was a coal miner and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 10, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Ron Pigg officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Jeong Ja Kim, 68, of Benton, passed away at 10:39 a.m. on Sunday, April 4, 2021 due to pancreatic cancer. She was in the care of her son, Andrew, at his home in Troy, IL surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on January 7, 1953, to Byungtae and Okrae (Seo) Jung in Gurye County Jeollanam-do, South Korea. On May 8, 1974, Jeong Ja married Hong Won Kim and he survives.

For over 37 years, Hong Won and Jeong Ja owned and operated Kim’s Shoe Repair and Alterations in Benton, IL. With the failing health of her husband and her recent passing, this long-standing business within the community will no longer be in service. Jeong Ja Kim wished to extend her sincerest gratitude to the people of Benton where she lived more than half her lifetime. She made a vaunted journey halfway around the world, leaving her family and friends for the search of a new life and the American dream. In this journey she found a new home, a community that she loved, and the place she wished to be memorialized forever, “Benton”.

Jeong Ja was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister. She was a woman of unwavering faith and steward of light for her almighty lord in heaven.

Jeong Ja is survived by her loving spouse of 46 years, Hong Won Kim; mother, Okrae Jung of South Korea; three sons, Yeong (Barbara) Kim of Rock Hill, SC, Matthew (Michelle) Kim of Bullhead City, AZ and Andrew (Erica) Kim of Troy, IL; six grandchildren, Brandon Kim, Mackenzie Kim, Leah Kim, Aubrey Kim, Owen Kim and Ashley Lewis; and one brother, Gapdoo Jung, and five sisters, Bok Jung, Aeja Jung, Danam Han, Onam Jung and Hyunsook Jung.

She was preceded in death by her father, Byungtae Jung and one brother, Gapjoo Jung.

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

Public visitation will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Private funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with officiant, Jeong Ho Han, translator, Hyun Wook Han, and Pastor Jim Endsley, officiating.

Following the funeral service, private burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mr. Rolland Wayne Dunivan, age 91, of Benton; passed away at 5:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2020 at the SSM Healthcare Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Immanuel Baptist Church, with Dr. Sammy Simmons and Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the church. Military Rites will be honored at the conclusion of the services at the church.

Rolland was born on April 25, 1929 in Akron, OH; the son of Otis L. Dunivan and Bessie (Marshall) Dunivan. He married the former Nadine Elimon on April 4, 1953 and she survives.

Rolland was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War where he obtained the rank of Corporal. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 1194 of Thompsonville, IL.

Mr. Dunivan was a retired inspector with Ford Motor Company of Chicago. He was Past President and Kiwanian of the Year with the Benton Kiwanis Club in the year 1997-1998. He was also an Ordained Deacon; and he was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church.

He enjoyed helping other people, fishing, word search puzzles, collecting shells and making art with the shells. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mr. Dunivan is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Nadine Dunivan of Benton; two daughters: Cynthia Ann Walls and husband Larry of Maryville, TN, Beth Ann Bergh of Hickory Hills, IL; three grandchildren: Shannon Walls of Maryville, TN, Lori Walls Colbert and husband C.J. of Maryville, IN, Jeremy Shaul and fiancee’ Brianna Gregoire of Kankakee, IL; seven great-grandchildren: Ray Ann Shaul, Ry Leigh Shaul, Mason Shaul, Preston Shaul, Bennett Shaul, Trinity Colbert, Abigail Gregoire; siblings including: Jack Dunivan of Colorado, Rolland’s twin brother Russell Dunivan of Michigan, Eleanor Booher of Arizona, Jimmy Dunivan of Arizona; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Verdine and Ed Miller of Marion, sister-in-law Jean Elimon of Glen Carbon, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Robert Dunivan and Ernie Dunivan; a sister Myrna Chiles; a son-in-law: Bruce Bergh; two brother-in-laws: Jim and Clyde Elimon.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Memory of Rolland Dunivan to the family or to the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Randall Wayne Mohr, age 64 of West City; passed away at 6:55 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2021, at his home.

Please be considerate of others, masks are required; and social distancing is to be observed. If you are sick, stay at home.

Randall was born on November 1, 1956 in DuQuoin, Illinois; the son of Elmer Theodore Mohr and Joann Ruth (Schafer) Mohr. He married the former Karla Jane Grizzell on October 21, 2001, and she survives.
Randall worked as a service technician with Terminix for the past 36 years.

He enjoyed the outdoors, yardwork, fishing, John Wayne westerns, and he loved watching NASCAR. His favorite NASCAR drivers were the late Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Randall was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving is his wife Karla Mohr of West City, IL; children: Caron Sullens and husband Andy of Anna, IL, Michael Wilkerson of Benton, IL, Lori Gulley of Benton, IL, Tyler Knowles and Morgan Knowles both of West City, IL; grandchildren: Drake Lebrun of Benton, IL, Aries and Zander Sullens of Anna, IL, Jacob Wilkerson of Benton, IL, Corey Wilkerson of Florida; a brother Karl Mohr of Energy, IL; a sister Lisa Mohr of DuQuoin, IL; a niece Shelly Tullis and husband Patrick of Lexington, KY.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the services for Randall Mohr have been postponed until further notice
Thank you for your understanding. Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements

He is also survived by his three four-legged family members, Lucky, Bella, and Sophia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a great-nephew Elliot Tullis.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Dianna Lynne Jackson, age 61, of Sesser, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 3:24 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2021.

Funeral Services will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Private family burial services will be held at a future date. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Whittington Church.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to continue to wear a mask while in public and social distancing. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Dianna Lynne Jackson was born on November 25, 1959 in Silverton, Oregon; the daughter of David Thomas and Luella (Williams) Thomas. On December 16, 1978 she married Terry Lee Jackson and together they shared 42 years of Marriage.

She was a former E.M.T. and was a member of the Sesser Fire Protection District Ladies Auxiliary.

She also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, quilting, photography, cooking, spending time with her family, and she enjoyed helping others.

Dianna was a member of the Whittington Church and loved worshipping her Lord with her church family.

Surviving is her loving husband of 42 years Terry Lee Jackson of Sesser; a son Justin Jackson and girlfriend Alivia Cline of Paris, IL; a brother Robert Thomas and wife Laura of San Rafael, NM; a sister Louanna and husband Domminick Oliver of Alsea, OR; a brother Donald Thomas of Silverton, OR; a brother Jon Thomas of Topock, AZ; a brother Kenny Thomas of Mt. Angel, OR; brother-in-laws: Ronnie Jackson and wife Terri of Whittington, IL, Floyd Jackson and wife Debbie of Ewing, IL, Garry Jackson and wife Sharon of Thompsonville, IL; a sister-in-law Mary Lou Roberts of Whittington, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father David Thomas; a son Charles Leroy “Chuckie” Jackson; a brother David Dean Thomas; and her mother-in-law: Martha Lucille Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to assist with medical and funeral expenses; and will be accepted at the church.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Dianna, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Rodney Lynn “Rat” Stewart, age 71, of Benton, went to be with his Lord in Heaven at 3:16 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2021 at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at Leffler Funeral Home, with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Rodney Lynn Stewart was born on January 26, 1950 in Mt. Vernon, IL; the son of Albert Darold Stewart and Mildred (Morgan) Stewart. He married the former Jo Ann Hines on August 18, 1973; and she survives.

He was a retired coal miner having worked for Old Ben #21 and Peabody Coal. He was a member of the U.M.W.A, Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M.; and he was an active member of the Benton Eagles Aeries #2898.

Rat enjoyed the outdoors, riding motorcycles, and loved helping others.

In January of 2021, Rod’s life was changed as he was Baptized at Central Christian Church in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Surviving is his loving wife of 47 years, Jo Ann Stewart of Benton; two children: Brett Stewart and companion Susan Roberson of Benton, IL; Amy Wilson and husband Brandt of Christopher, IL; five grandchildren: Lynnsay Saeger and husband Luke, Daulton Stewart, Blake Stewart, Bryce Wilson, Peyton Stewart; a sister Barbara Clarke and husband Larry of Mt. Vernon, IL; a special uncle Steve Morgan of Mt. Vernon, IL; numerous aunts; a special brother-in-law Robert Hines of Benton, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved four legged friend “Bit Bit”.

He was preceded in death by his father Albert Darold Stewart; his mother Mildred (Morgan) Stewart Hurley; step-father David Hurley; and a brother Michael Stewart.

Memorial contributions in memory of Rodney Lynn Stewart, may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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