Dorothy Ann Morgan, 77, of Christopher, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 2:25 AM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at SIH Herrin Hospital.

She was born on February 2, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Everette and Josephine (Kristek) Brock. Dorothy’s life was defined by her devotion to family. A loving wife, dedicated mother, and wonderful “Mimi” to her grandchildren, family was always her highest priority. In St. Louis, she met James “Jim” Morgan, and together they shared a blessed marriage of 57 years. Dorothy was a faithful member of the Catholic church. She found immense joy and fulfillment with her husband, Jim, and their two sons, James and David. Dorothy absolutely adored her four grandchildren, Parker, Ethan, Tyler, and Katia, cherishing every moment spent with them. Dorothy began her career working for the phone company in St. Louis, and after marrying Jim, they settled in Southern Illinois.

She earned her beautician’s license, worked initially at a salon in DuQuoin, and eventually opened a shop at her home in Christopher. With her home business she was able to dedicate more time to raising her boys. Later, Dorothy returned to study at Rend Lake College, where she earned her CNA (Certified Nurse’s Assistant) certification and subsequently graduated with her MLT (Medical Lab Technology) degree. Her innate compassion led her to a fulfilling career in healthcare, where she found purpose in helping others. She worked more than 20 years between three different hospitals: Crossroads in Mt. Vernon, the Marion VA Hospital, and Sparta Community Hospital.

In 2014, Dorothy and Jim retired on the same day, embarking on a new chapter filled with travel and family time. They made numerous extended trips to California to help grandparent their grandsons, Ethan and Parker, who affectionately have always thought “Mimi” was the very best. Dorothy was a fantastic cook known for delicious pies, a skilled crafter, and found great joy in sewing clothes for her family and flower gardening. She enjoyed relaxing outside in the backyard with others and her two whimsical cats. Her artistic flair shone brightly in her meticulously decorated yard, which was a true showplace in the neighborhood, especially during the holidays.

Dorothy is survived by her husband Jim, her two sons, James Patrick (nee Tonya) Morgan of Joliet and David Lee (nee Nattharika) Morgan of Pleasanton, CA; four grandchildren, Tyler and Katia Morgan of Joliet and Parker and Ethan Morgan of Pleasanton, CA; two sisters, Nancy Keller of Tamaroa and Judy Holman of DuPo; two brothers, James Brock of Webster Groves, MO and Robert Brock of Cedar Hill, MO; sister-in-law, Debbie Brock of Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews with growing families. She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Raymond Brock; two sisters-in-law, Cheryl Brock and Sue Hayes; and two brothers-in-law Leonard Holman and Terry Keller.

In accordance with Dorothy’s wishes, she will be cremated, and a graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Gilbert Funeral Home of Christopher is assisting the family with the arrangements. Dorothy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her vibrant spirit, unwavering love for her family, and the countless cherished memories she created will ensure her legacy lives on.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Sharon K. Cavins, 71, of Christopher, IL, passed away Tuesday evening, July 15, 2025 at her home.

Sharon was born on February 5, 1954 in Kankakee, Illinois to Theodore and Elsie (Wilson) Robey.

She married Dennis Cavins on September 21, 1984 in Aurora, Illinois. He survives of Christopher. Sharon was a Christian and loved spending time with her family; especially her grandchildren. She also enjoyed detailing cars and going on side by side rides with her beloved husband. She liked listening to old country music and all things Betty Boop and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband- Dennis Cavins of Christopher; daughters- Lisa Clark of Marion and Lacey (Brandon) Service of Christopher; 6 grandchildren- Chad and Cody Armes and Selena Donovan, Joshua Donovan, Destiny Service and Dylan Service; sister- Patsy (Dennis) Corn of Benton and brother- LeRoy Robey of Royalton. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister- Barbara Albrights and brother- Melvin.

It was her wish to be cremated and private memorial services will be held Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, in Christopher, IL where she enjoyed spending time. Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Memorial donations are suggested to the family and may be mailed to Gilbert Funeral Home/ 209 north Emma Street/ Christopher, IL 62822.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Dr. Donna Sebastian Spencer of Benton, IL, died on July 14th, 2025, after a prolonged illness caused by cancer.

She was born on February 28th,1957 in Sharon, PA; the daughter of Donald Sebastian and Carolynn (Nickle) Sebastian. She married Dr. David Keith Spencer on June 2, 1984.

She graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Science from the University of Notre Dame and received her Doctorate of Optometry at Indiana University before working as an optometrist in Benton and McLeansboro.

Her greatest joy was using her talents to serve her church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church of Benton. She considered cantoring at mass with her husband, David, a great privilege. She spent many years teaching high school youth formation class followed by teaching the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) class for the past 10 years. She also enjoyed traveling and gardening but loved visiting her grandchildren more than anything.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. David Spencer; 3 children: Dr. Katie Krause (Dr. Kenny), Dr. Jenna McGoldrick (Zach) and Dr. Michael Spencer (Kaci); 10 grandchildren (Camille, Colin, Charlie and Cecilia Krause; Leo, Finn and Molly McGoldrick; and Luka, Noah and Brady Spencer); 2 sisters, Laurie Koval (Bob) and Linda Collins (Bob); 3 brothers-in-law, Dennis (Kim), Craig (Suzanne) and Duane (Kelly) Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her father and mother, Donald, and Carolynn “Lynn” Sebastian; her father-in-law, Russell Spencer; her brother, Don Sebastian; and her infant son.

Visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made either to the St. Joseph Catholic Church or to St. Anne Cradle of Hope and will be accepted at the services.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Dr. Donna Spencer, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Arnold Moore, 87, of Benton, IL passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

He was born in West Frankfort, IL on October 1, 1937 the son of Valley Paul & Mary Ellen (Prior) Moore.

He married Daisy (Holman) on November 12, 1953. He loved Jesus and if you talked to him for just a few minutes he would tell you all about Jesus. He could fix and do almost anything. He made marbles and furniture, he invented the Daisy board strecher and the train whistle. He built multiple homes that he and his family lived in. He loved his family and loved to sing. Arnold & Daisy lived in Kankakee for 20 years and then moved back to work in the coal mines as a welder.

Mr. Moore is survived by his:
Wife: Daisy Moore of Benton
3 Children:
Alan Moore & wife Donna of Benton
Christina Adams of Scheller, IL
Teresa Bowman & husband Steve of Bonnie, IL
4 Grandchildren:
Emily Moore
Adam Moore & wife Jessica
Mariah Stubblefield & husband Kevin
Josh Bowman
Great-Grandchildren: Olivia, Austin, Elena, Cylas, Maddie & Josie

Mr. Moore was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister-Dorothy, brother-Lowell, grandson-Christopher Adams and son-in-law-Nelson Adams.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.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

Mr. Michael Ray Rumsey, age 67, of Buckley, IL, passed away at 1:26 a.m. Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Shawnee Senior Living of Herrin, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Visitation services will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Graveside services with burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Skyline Memorial Park of Monee, IL.
Michael was born on May 8, 1958, in Chicago, IL; the son of Vernon Rumsey and Laura Ruth (Wilson) Rumsey.
He was a member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

He loved assembling model cars, working puzzles, word search, and connecting the dots. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving are his siblings: Sandra Kay Martinsen and husband Kenneth of West Frankfort, IL, Vernon Dale Rumsey of Buckley, IL; a sister-in-law Holly Rumsey of Tinley Park, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Kenneth Eugene Rumsey and Jerry Lee Rumsey.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Michael, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Casimer “Casey” Jabczynski Jr., 81, of Zeigler, passed away on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on December 26, 1943 in Chicago, IL to Casimer “Casey” and Florence (Frost) Jabczynski Sr. He married Susan (Putzeiko) Jabczynski and she preceded him in death on September 4, 2019.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Ronnie) Diuguid of Zeigler; siblings Dennis (NeNe), Cheryl, Wendy and Roger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Paul Jabczynski and two sisters Susan Jabczynski and Diane Flood,

He was a retired Chicago Firefighter, he had worked on Engine 35, Truck 28 and retired from the Chicago Fire Department’s Office of Fire Investigations.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Brett White, 55, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away at 9:45 p.m., on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, IL.

He was born on November 27, 1969, to Roy White and Pamela “Pam” (Johnson) Wiggins in Benton, IL. Brett worked as a clerk for Hucks Convenience Stores.

He was a loving father, son and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and in his past time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking and working on cars.

Brett is survived by his three sons, Jesse White of Coulterville, IL, Andrew (Lecsee) White of Marion, IL and Nicholas White of Benton, IL; his father, Roy White of Ft. Myers, FL, his mother, Pamela “Pam” Wiggins, of Benton, IL; two brothers, Jason White and Scott Wiggins; two sisters, Jacqueline Holman and Jenna (Mike) Piazza; four grandchildren, Gabe, Annistyn, Gracelynn and Micah and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Brett’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Melvin Earl Cundiff, 74, of Royalton, passed away on Friday July 4, 2025 at Parkway Manor in Marion, IL.

He was born on April 28, 1951 in Watseka, IL to Francis and Irene (Spain) Cundiff. He married Marjorie (Bolen) Cundiff on May 5, 1973 and she preceded him in death on June 5, 2024.

He is survived by his daughters Melissa Cundiff of Marion and Mandy (Dan) Johnson of Plainfield; grandchildren Erin, Zachary and Eli; sisters Marilyn (Danny) Shown of Searcy, AR and Marlena (Ralph) Depetris-Lusher of Benton, AR and one brother Marvin Cundiff of Glasgow, KY and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother Francis Cundiff Jr. and one sister-in-law Patricia Cundiff.

He served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam Era and then worked for the Army Corps of Engineers for over 36 years until his retirement.

Funeral services will be on Saturday April 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL. Military rites will be conducted at the Brown Cemetery in Cisne, IL.

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

Terry E. Duncan, 80, of Centralia, IL, and a former Benton resident, passed away Friday morning July 4, 2025 at the Fireside House of Centralia.

He was born in Benton, IL on June 5, 1945, the son of Adrian & Edna (Wilkerson) Duncan.

He married Pamela Akin on December 2, 1977.

Mr. Duncan worked for Old Ben Coal. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved working on cars.

Mr. Duncan is survived by his:
Wife: Pamela Duncan of Centralia
Brother: Larry Duncan of Centralia
Sister: Francine Pheasant of Christopher, IL
3 Daughters:
LaRhonda Anderson of Florida
Miechelle Cook of California
Tera Tullis of Idaho
12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Duncan was preceded in death by his parents, son-Terry Wayne Duncan and by several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday July 7, 2025 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Everett Ray Sullivan, age 99, of Macedonia, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation of McLeansboro.

Everett was born on September 14, 1925, in Macedonia, Illinois; the son of Arthur G. Sullivan and Naomi Florence (Weatherford) Sullivan.

He was the owner and operator of Sullivan’s Store of Macedonia for 64 years. He also was a former Trustees with the Knights Prairie Township Board, where he served for 44 years.

He enjoyed visiting with his customers at his store and spending time with his dogs: Boss, Tinker, Trixie, and Squirt.
Surviving is a nephew Gary Sullivan and wife Dee of Stantonville, TN; two great-nephews: Alan Sullivan and wife Sarah of Thompsonville, IL, Christopher Sullivan and wife Tina of Pittsburg, IL; a great-great-nephew Aaron Sullivan; and three great-great-nieces Autumn Sullivan, Abigail Sullivan, Amelia Sullivan; and a close friend who stopped by the store daily, Curt Reed of McLeansboro, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Marvin Alan Sullivan, and two brothers Floyd Sullivan and Claude Sullivan.
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Macedonia Cemetery. A Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Everett, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.