Joy Lynn (McGinty) Kinsman age 70 of Benton, IL passed away 9:00 A.M. on Thursday May 15, 2025 surrounded by family.

Born July 31st 1954 in West Frankfort to William (Bill) McGinty Dixie (Morrison) McGinty.

Joy was a member of the Whittington Church in Whittington, IL. She was an avid sewist and loved planting flowers. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren. You could always find her at a field whether it was football, baseball, softball or track. They were her pride and joy and loved being surrounded by them.

She is survived by her children Joshua (Valerie) Kinsman, Jacy (John) Page, 6 grandchildren Jacob, Luke, Andrew and Jonny Kinsman, Makalie and Dominic Page, 2 bonus granddaughters Emilee and Olivia, 3 siblings Brad (Molly) McGinty, Gay (Darin) Morton, Kathy (Thomas) Trotter. She is also survived by bonus children Jimmy (Sue) Kinsman, Lora (Ed) Hammonds, Amy (Randy) Blocker and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband James E. Kinsman, sister Shelia Rae, Bill McGinty and Dixie McGinty.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 20th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place.
For those who wish contributions may be made to the family.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Robert Eugene Piper was born to Charles E. Piper and Alta Mae Robinson on July 21, 1933 in Sesser Il.

Robert, was known as Bob, as he grew up in Sesser. After graduation from Sesser High
School in 1951, Bob headed to Chicago, he joined the IBEW 134 and was an electrician. He traveled across the US working union jobs when steady work was not to be found in Southern Illinois until retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was quite the entertaining story teller. He was easy going, funny, kind, and loved his coffee. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Glena Jean Cockrum in 1951 and celebrated 73 years of marriage. Together they brought 5 children into this world, 5 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Children: Robert E Piper Jr. of Ziegler, David R. Piper of Rend City, Timmie L. Piper (deceased), Linda D. Laird of Florida, Sandra J. Hicks of Tennessee; Grandchildren: Shane Piercy of Fl, Brandy Thompson of Tennessee, Benjamin

Hicks (deceased), Heather Glidewell of Christopher, Dustin Laird of Florida. Great Grandchildren: Carrie Glidewell, Owen Glidewell, Marissa Glidewell, Brianna Thompson, Piper Piercy, Kenzi Piercy Great Great Grandchild: Mavie Ray Glidewell. Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great Great Grandpa sadly will be missed, though his stories will continue to be shared.

Funeral services will be on Sunday May 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jason Todd officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Sondra L. Webster, 78, of Benton passed away Wednesday May 14, 2025 at Deaconess Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on June 24, 1946 in Herrin, IL the daughter of Eddie & Lavada (Childers) Powell.

She married Charles Richard Webster on August 9, 1963 at the Herrin First Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2020.

She attended school at Herrin thru her junior year in high school and then graduated from Benton High School. She was a volunteer for CASA and a former employee of the Benton Public Library and Flowers by Dave. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton where she and her husband worked with the children and youth for many years. She had an unmatched passion for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Webster is survived by her:
Son: Kevin Webster & wife Jennifer of Macedonia
Daughter: Kerri Cottle & husband Jim of Benton
Grandchildren:
Brad Cottle
Alison McMahon & husband Jordan
Emma Webster
Bethany Cottle
Ryan Knight/Webster & wife Mack
Great-Grandchildren: Braxton Cottle, Kalib Mayberry, Addison Mabrey & Maddux Charles Boone McMahon
Brother-in-law: David Webster & wife Sharon of Benton
Sister-in-law: Laurie Webster of West Frankfort
Brother-in-law: Brett Webster & wife Traci of West Frankfort
She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews.
Charles & Sondra always considered everyone who came thru the church doors part of their extended family.
Mrs. Webster was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 1 Brother-Donald Powell and 2 Sisters-Mary Prewitt & Joyce Mathers.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 18th at the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton with Rev. Greg Wooten & Rev. Jodie George officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 2:00 P.M. on Sunday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Tripp Cole Jackson, one-month old, passed away on Friday May 9, 2025 at his home.

He was born on April 6, 2025 in Mt Vernon, IL to Krystal Lynn Wood and Charles Kevin Jackson.

He is survived by his parents, siblings Dawson Jackson of Jackson, MO, Makayla Jackson of Mulkeytown, Logan Jackson of Mulkeytown and Sophia Saul of Christopher; grandparents Debra Wood of Christopher, Donna (John Brown) Jackson of Mulkeytown and Kevin (Andi) Jackson of Mulkeytown; one aunt Melanie (Matt) Carnahan; one nephew Nathan (Ashley Crawford) Wood; cousins Kloey, Addison, Emily, Katelin and Lena Mae.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Our little angel left us too soon and he will be forever missed and loved!!

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

Otto David Ohms, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Monday May 12, 2025 at his home.

He was born on August 29, 1932 in Randolph County, IL to William and Hazel (Bertholl) Ohms. He married JoAnn (Gaertner) Ohms on May 30, 1956 and she preceded him in death on September 11, 2020.

He is survived by his children Alan Ohms of Eolia, MO, Don (Becky) Ohms of Sparta, IL and Julie (Don) Heine of Sesser; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Searby, Victoria (Eric) Halfacre and Leo Ohms; great grandchildren Atlas, Jonah, Zoe and Scout and two brothers Charles (Alice) Ohms of Jackson, MO and Bill (Lucille) Ohms of Waterloo, IL.

Otto was a Navy Veteran during the Korean Conflict. He served with the Navy Air Transport Squadron and aboard the Destroyer USS, John R. Craig DD885 and the USS Prairie AD15. He was a Teleman Second Class. He was employed at the Sparta News-Plaindealer as a printer and pressman for 23 years. He retired from Illinois Power Co. as a Storekeeper for 16 years. Otto and his family operated Ohms Custom Upholstery for 26 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1172, Lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1952 and a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church of Sesser.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Father Steve Pautler officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Pius Cemetery in Walsh, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Reba C. Williams, RN, of Thompsonville, IL, grabbed her stethoscope, tied her shoes tight and headed to her next chapter on May 10, 2025, at 7:04 p.m., at her daughter’s house.

Reba was born on February 7, 1955, to Charles and JoNell Ramsey. Sibling of Ronnie, Sharon, Chuck and Charla.

Reba married the love of her life, Stewart Jae Williams on March 21, 1980, and was blessed with three amazing children, Todd Williams of Thompsonville, Bethany (Richard) Allsup of Du Quoin, Heather Williams of Hot Springs Village and her bonus daughter, Bonita Smith of Jessieville, AR.

Together they were blessed with 13 amazing grand blessings, Caleb (Marissa) Williams, Jacob Williams, Codey (Lindsey) Williams, Todd Williams, II, Dakota (Lupita) Norris, Heaven (DJ) Helton, Chance (Alasia) Norris, Rhianon (Blake) Smith, Charlisa Smith, Alexandra (Austin) Williams, Anna Marie Beals and Wyatt Beals and five great-grand blessings, Caden, Issac, Nolen, Oliver and Lorelei.

Reba was blessed with amazing sisters and brothers by heart in 1980, Mike (Sue) Williams, Benton, IL, Matt (Karen) Williams, Mulkeytown, IL, Missy (Dale) King of Benton, IL and Barbara Zeims of Christopher, IL and multiple nephews, nieces and cousins.

Reba Williams was an amazing nurse and held many hats in the nursing department, her most loved position was that of a Director of Nursing.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed driving, listening to music, gardening, fishing and always helping others. She attended Zeigler Family Church.

Reba was preceded in death by her love, Stewart Jae Williams, her amazing mother by heart, Betty Williams, father-in-law, Oliver Williams, brother, Mitch Mann, , sister, Julie Pritchard, sister by heart, Carol (Brad) Busse, and many beautiful and amazing aunts and uncles, one grand blessing and two great grand blessings.

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

A special thank you goes to Hospice of Southern Illinois, you guys are so loved and special. Vicki, Ramon, Mandy, Jessica, Brenda, Amy, Vanessa and Kara.

Per her wishes cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs.

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

Donella M. Hickey, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday May 3, 2025 at her home.

She was born on December 8, 1941 in Christopher to Dominic and Charlotte (Antonino) Maceri Sr. She married Bill Hickey on March 16, 1972 and he survives.

She is also survived by her step children Dennis (Tina) Hickey of London, Ontario, Lisa (Tom) Arledge of Kerrville, TX and Maria (Larry) Morgan of Cypress, TX and several grandchildren and great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and one brother Charles Macari of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one step son Kevin Hickey and one brother Dominic Maceri.

She was a member of the St Andrews Catholic Church and was proud of her Italian heritage.

Graveside services will be on Monday May 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Marcella Walker, 104, of Benton passed away on Sunday evening May 4, 2025 at her daughter’s home. Marcella was born in Hamilton County, IL on March 22, 1921 the daughter of Madison & Bertie (Hunt) Johnson.

She married Floyd Walker on September 27, 1947 in Morganfield, KY and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2008.

Mrs. Walker was a charter member of the West City Church of God.

Mrs. Walker is survived by:

3 children:

Dennis Carlton & wife Judy of Benton

Karen Montoya of Benton

Beverly Bellevue & husband Ken of Portsmouth, New Hampshire

6 grandchildren:

Duaine Carlton & wife Marcia of Herrin

Quentin Montoya & wife Jennifer of Cobden

Nicole Rechsteiner & husband Terry of Benton

Monica Markham & husband Daniel of Portsmouth, NH

Madison Bellevue of Jackman, ME

Rebecca Bellevue of Portsmouth, NH

13 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers – Leo & Eugene Johnson, 1 sister – Shirley Neal, and her great grandson Gabriel Bellevue

Marcella and her husband, Floyd, loved to travel in their RV with their friends and family. She planted a large garden every year with an equally large harvest. Marcella loved her family, loved to cook and try new recipes, particularly desserts! She was a prayer warrior. Her family knew if you were on her prayer list, everything was going to turn out alright. Marcella’s presence was the center of every family gathering and she will be missed terribly until we all meet again in heaven. Marcella’s family gave her the blessing of aging gracefully in the presence of her loved ones. She remained surrounded by family and friends until the very end. Special thanks to Beth Hall, her friend and caregiver, Dr. Latta, and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 8th 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 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marcella (Johnson) Walker, please visit our floral store.

Esther Jean Kretz, 92, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday May 4, 2025 at her home.

She was born on May 11, 1932 in Sesser to Merideth and Mary (Jolley) Huie. She married Victor Dean Kretz and they were married for 75 years.

She is survived by her son John (Maria) Kretz of Christopher and one daughter Jennifer Kretz of Christopher; daughter-in-law Debbie Kretz of Christopher; grandchildren Wade (Torie) Kretz, Ami (Anthony) Hargrove, Kyle (Kim) Kretz, Emily (Wayne) Wilson, Merideth (Mark) Rogers and Joe (Megan) Kretz; great grandchildren Allie, Trent, Isaac (Jasie), Tyson, Amiah, Madi, Aiden, Kaylee, Mila, Cole, Jack, Samuel, Bennett and Aralynn; and two great great grandchildren Iversyn and Jhy’eir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Thomas Kretz, siblings Ilah Winn, Mable Page, James Huie, Metzie Ward, Charles Huie and Ronald Huie.

Funeral Services will be on Friday May 9, 2025 at 12:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:30 PM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher, IL.

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