On Wednesday, May 1, 2019, Carl Sheridan Leek, beloved father and grandfather, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 85.

Carl was born September 23, 1933 in Valier, IL, to Jesse and Matilda Leek. He served his country in the Korean War, and on October 23, 1953, married the love of his life, Janet Viola Williams. Together they raised three children, Sherilyn Bundy, Geri Owen, and Jeffrey Leek. Carl answered the call to ministry on Easter Sunday, 1962, and became the pastor of Coello Baptist Church where he and Jan served for 18 years. He then went on to pastor several churches over the course of his 55-year ministry.

He was a mentor, a teacher, a father, and a scholar. He was known for his compassion, his unshakable faith, and his vast love of his family. His patience and love formed the bedrock of a legacy that touched countless lives, continuing the message of hope by which he lived.

Carl is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Janet Leek, his mother Matilda, his father Jesse, his brothers Charles and Earl Leek, and his sister Lucille LeVault. He is survived by his daughters Sherilyn and Geri, and his son Jeffrey (Robin), his grandchildren Rhonda (Chris) Gore, Stacey Young, Robbie Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Jordan Leek, Austin Leek, Madison Leek, his great grandchildren Allison (Mark) Jett, Aleah Gore, Vali Gore, Staley Alvis, Alexandria Drew, and Vedder Mount, and his great-great granddaughter Viola Jett.

Funeral services will be on Sunday May 5, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jacob Gray officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday May 4, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Audrey Faye Gilliam, 74, of Benton, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2019, at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on May 8, 1944, to Troy and Vevia (Threewitt) Knight in Benton, IL.

Audrey was a member of Greater Life Church in Benton, IL. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to many. Audrey enjoyed listening and singing Christian music, crafting, sewing, tending to flowers, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and attending Friday night game night with her loving sisters.

She is survived by her four loving children, Vevia Tindall and husband Greg, Keith Williams and wife Jennifer, Randy Williams and wife Tammy, and Robin Goodwin; six granddaughters, Heather Mitchell and husband Scott, Ashley Tindall, Britney Tindall, Rylan Williams, Keesha Kern and husband Caleb, Amber Williams; five grandsons, Brice Clark, Colin Clark, Mason Williams, Devin Williams, Josh Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Josie Mitchell, Maddox Mitchell, Siersha Mitchell and one on the way; three sisters, Joyce Duchene, Judy Green and Linda Summers; eleven nieces, Sheila Hightower and husband Paul, Eva Boonstra and husband Hank, Sandy Newbolds, Tammy Salomon, Rhonda Bush, Lisa Rodriquez and husband Tony, Kim Summers, Kristie Ruthland, Heather Summers, Laurie Barrientes and husband Simon, and Lindsey Vessels and husband Steven; eleven nephews, Troy Knight and wife Kelly, Freddie Parkhill and wife Norma, David Summers, John Summers, Jerry Summers, Jeff Summers and wife Crystal, Stephen Chirch and wife Brittany, Tim Summers, Kevin Summers, Mark Stelle and Ron Williams and wife Lisa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Vevia Knight; three sisters, Kathy Gulley, Shirley Summers and Marilyn Knight; two brothers, Donnie Knight and Eddie Knight; four brother-in-laws, David Green, Ronald Summers, Art Duchene and Gene Summers; and a son-in-law, Bill Goodwin.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from Noon to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Fitzpatrick, officiating services.

Burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Life Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.