Linda Marie Eaton, age 64, of Thompsonville, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home.

Linda was born on September 16, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Bobby Eugene and Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow. On June 9, 1990, she married James Lee Eaton, together they shared in 36 years of marriage.

She worked as an educator with SIU Early Childhood Development. Through her job she provided daycare for parents pursuing their GED and was a parent educator. Her family said she enjoyed reading to the early childhood students and would often dress in character while reading to them.

Linda enjoyed making jewelry, attending concerts, and eating out with her husband. She also enjoyed her jewelry booth at a local antique store in Carterville.
Surviving is her loving husband of 36 years, James L. Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, a son Charles Jacob Eaton and wife Haley of Oregon, Ohio, two grandchildren Lucas Lee Eaton and Archer Grey Eaton, two sisters: Lisa Griffith and husband Roger of Marion, Illinois, Debra Davison and husband Greg of Christopher, Illinois, a brother Robert Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, her mother-in-law Marilyn Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, two aunts: Carol Aronson and husband Carl of Lake of Egypt, Illinois, Sandra Williams and husband Mark of Nixa, Missouri, an uncle Bill Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law Merwin H. Eaton, and a brother-in-law David Allen Eaton.

Private family services will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois with Dennis Austin officiating. Private burial services will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery of Du Quoin, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Benton Elk’s Club, where food, drinks and live music will be provided.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Linda, be made to the Franklin County Early Childhood Education Program and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home and at the Celebration of Life Service on August 22, 2026.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Theresa Ann Miller, age 70, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare of Marion, Illinois.

Mrs. Miller’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Theresa was born on November 3, 1955, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Irene (Graham) McLaughlin.
She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Theresa was a retired waitress, having worked at various restaurants in the Springfield area.
She enjoyed watching movies, reading books, taking boat rides, and most of all cherished her time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving daughter Elisha M. Comer of McCordsville, Indiana, two grandchildren Isabella Comer and Cole Comer, both of McCordsville, Indiana, a sister Mary Smith and husband Stephen of West Frankfort, Illinois, a brother Michael McLaughlin and wife Tracey of Lakeland, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Joseph McLaughlin and Thomas McLaughlin, and a sister Irene Cullers.
Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Theresa Miller, may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Theresa, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Charlotte Wilkerson, 89, of Marion, formerly of Buckner, passed away on Thursday August 13, 2026 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born on February 10, 1937 in DuQuoin, IL to Orion and Inez (Harris) Green. She married Joe Wilkerson on June 19, 1959 and he preceded her in death on June 29, 2001.

She is survived by her sons George (Larissa) Wilkerson of Herrin and Joe (Jennifer) Wilkerson of Carlyle; grandchildren Stephanie (Justin) Galiher, Adam (Zoe) Wilkerson, Christopher (Ashley) Wilkerson, Alaina (Christopher) Simms and Paige (Nick) Urban; great grandchildren Lily, Connor, Sophia, Tessa, Cooper, Lincoln and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers Richard “Pete” Green, Harris Green, Joe Green, Robert Green, David Green and Harry “Henry” Green and one sister Katherine Pierce.

Funeral services for Charlotte will be on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Joe Wilkerson Teacher Scholarship Fund or to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Roland Dewight Hodges, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday August 9, 2026 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on January 16, 1934 in Oregon, IL to Willis and Helen (Hepfer) Hodges. He married Betty (Bassett) on December 6, 1974 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Elizabeth “Beth” Johnson of Peoria, Kenneth Hamm of Sesser and Steven (Norma) Hamm of Scheller; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two brothers Joe (Jan) Hodges of Rockford, IL and Jerry Hodges of Lake Carol, IL, one sister Marilyn Davison of Freeport, IL and one sister-in-law Judy Hodges of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Duane Johnson, and one brother, Roy Hodges.

He was a retired Army Veteran and had worked in real estate in Peoria until his retirement.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Sesser Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Slone officiating.

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

Lana Kaye Wright, a resident of Clarksville, TN (formerly of Williamson County) age 74, passed away on August 3, 2026, at Riverview Post Acute.

She was born on July 15, 1952, in Herrin, Illinois to Howard and Geneva (Miller) Pentecost. She was a 1970 graduate of Marion (Illinois) HighSchool and attended John A Logan College.

She enjoyed genealogy and volunteered for the Tennessee Genealogy Indexing Project as an indexer of old Tennessee newspapers.

She is survived by her son, Joshua (Laura) Wright, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee and her son, Benji Wright, of Herrin, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Braxton Wright and Karigan Wright of Carterville, Illinois and Eva Lu Wright of Cedar Hill, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Wright and daughter-in-law, Shea Wright.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to CrossPoint Church, Nashville, Tennessee or to the Arthritis Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Deborah Faye Summers, age 75, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Deborah was born on June 11, 1951, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Bill Burnett and Helen (Cherkosky) Burnett. On April 17, 1970, she married David Edwin Summers, and he preceded her in death on June 13, 1976.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Private family burial will be at a future date.
She retired from retail sales where she enjoyed working in the jewelry department at J.C. Penney’s. Debbie was a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge #819 of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She also attended Whittington Church.

Deborah enjoyed shopping, spending time with friends, but mostly she enjoyed attending and watching her grandkids perform.

Surviving is her loving daughter Deidra Sanchez and husband Aron of Benton, Illinois, three grandchildren: Macy, Dayton, and Seager Sanchez all of Benton; two sisters: Shelah Korris Ring of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Julie Burnett of Herrin, Illinois, a brother Scott Douglas Burnett of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers: Billy Burnett and Jeff Burnett.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Debbie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Scottie Kate Towers, the beloved infant daughter of Jake and Madison (Allardyce) Towers was born and passed away on August 4th at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

Even though Scottie Kate was with us for a short time, she touched so many lives with love and in turn, was loved by so many. It’s our hope the memory and love from Scottie Kate will help fill the void left in our hearts today and for all time to come.

Scottie Kate is survived by her loving parents and big brother golden doodle, Harry. Her grandparents Shawn and Kristy (Herrin) Allardyce, Richard and Jeanette (Kampwerth) Towers, great-grandparents Sue Herrin, Greg and Barb Kasak and Dale Allardyce. Additionally, Scottie Kate is survived by her Aunt Victoria (Devin) and many great aunts, great uncles and cousins.

Great-grandparents Rich Herrin, Joe and Agnes Kampwerth and Gene and Maxine Towers have welcomed Scottie Kate into their loving arms, in Heaven.

Scottie Kate will be laid to rest next to her Nana Maxine at Harrison’s Cemetery, with a private funeral service.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, Scottie Kate’s family asks that you share love and kindness with one another, and hold your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a little tighter and longer.

Karen Ann Eovaldi, 82, of Marion, formerly of Sesser passed away on August 1, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.

She was born on April 10, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Richard and Norma Elizabeth (Meyers) Wiese. She married George “Rusty” Robert Eovaldi on March 28, 1970, and he preceded her in death on December 22, 2019.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Karen built a life centered on faith, service, and a passion for teaching. A devoted Christian, she believed deeply in the power of prayer and found joy in lifting her voice in song, sharing her love of music with those around her. For 39 years, she dedicated herself to teaching, inspiring generations of students with her patience, wisdom, and caring heart. Her legacy of faith, kindness, and learning will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her children Robert (Bendra) Eovaldi of Marion and Georgina (James) Krajeski of West Frankfort; Step-daughter Deborah (Vince) Zaranti of The Villages, FL; grandchildren Belinda (Joseph) Sons, Rebecca Eovaldi, Grace Veschusio, Cassidy Veschusio, and Liam Veschusio; great grandchildren Marie Sons, David Sons, and Josh Sons. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

Mr. Richard Lee Brayfield, known to many simply as Richard, age 92, passed from this life on July 26, 2026, in Terre Haute, Indiana, after a period of declining health, and he now rests in the
peace of his Lord.

Born on April 28, 1934, in Sesser, Illinois, he lived a life marked by faithfulservice, steadfast devotion, and a warm spirit that touched all who knew him.
Richard was the beloved son of Winsor and Fay (Hackney) Brayfield, both deceased, and he was raised in the simple virtues of hard work, honesty, and perseverance. He graduated from Sesser High School in Sesser, Illinois, in 1952, and later attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where he studied Agriculture Sciences. Those early years shaped a man who understood the value of labor, the dignity of service, and the blessing of a life well-ordered
under God’s hand.

In his youth, after his father’s untimely death, Richard worked the family farm, starting at the age of 13, entirely on his own. And after high school, he labored at the Sesser Brick Factory. In 1952 he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, and he was honorably discharged in 1954. Such service stood as a noble chapter in a life already distinguished by duty and courage. Afterward, he became an Illinois State Trooper and was assigned to the counties of Clark, Crawford and Jasper, before being re-assigned to the Chicago
District, where he carried out his responsibilities with discipline and integrity. While in Chicago, he also attended and graduated from Worsham School of Embalming and Funeral Directing, preparing himself for a vocation that would allow him to serve grieving families with compassion and dignity.

One evening, while assigned to the Chicago State Police District, Richard and Mary were on a date, and Richard spotted a man taking a woman’s purse. Richard quickly subdued the villain
and took him immediately to the nearest police precinct. After delivering the purse-snatcher to the precinct, Richard’s wife, Mary said” You really know how to show a girl a good time”.
Richard prided himself in teaching invaluable lessons to many young individuals who needed more of a reprimand than a permanent criminal record. Likewise, he showed many people the consequences of their actions, like when he broke-up a car theft ring, singlehandedly. Richard later returned to Casey, Illinois, and joined the staff of Lindsay Funeral Home. In time,
through diligence and trust earned over many years, he purchased the business and guided it as Lindsay-Brayfield Funeral Home for several years. His work in funeral service was not merely employment, but a ministry of comfort, where he offered steady hands and a gentle heart to those walking through sorrow. He later became a member of Local 157, Plumbers’ and Steamfitters’ Union of Terre Haute, Indiana, and planted his roots firmly in the Clark County area, where he remained a respected and familiar presence.

He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth (Woll), and together they shared 66 devoted years of marriage until her passing in 2025. Their union was a testament to enduring love, mutual faith, and the grace that sustains a household through the seasons of life. Richard cherished his family deeply, and he leaves behind his son, Mark (Twila) Brayfield of Robinson, Illinois, and his daughter, Tonda Lee Brayfield of Robinson, Illinois. He was also blessed with grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Matthew Thomas (Larcy) Brayfield of Bakersfield, California; Patrick Alan (Catherine) Brayfield of Columbus, Ohio; Ashley (Cory) Weger of Robinson, Illinois; and Amber Halterman-Settles of Palestine, Illinois. His joy was further multiplied by his great grandchildren, Olivia Brayfield, Madison Brayfield, Henry Brayfield, Ethan Brayfield, Gracie Weger, and Brooks Weger, each of whom carried forward a precious part of his legacy.

Richard was a Christian man whose faith was not confined to word alone but shown in the manner of his living. He was friendly, optimistic, and spirited, and these qualities made him a blessing in every room he entered. He loved softball and the life around the diamond, and when he became a certified welder, he took on the task of building the bleacher seating for the Casey Softball Association. That work, practical and generous, reflected the kind of man he was, one who saw a need and answered it with skill and good cheer. He found satisfaction in contributing to the life of his community, and he did so without seeking praise, for his reward was in service itself.

In the measure of Scripture and the wisdom of the ages, Richard’s life calls to mind the words of William Shakespeare, who wrote, “The better part of valor is discretion.” Yet Richard’s own
life might be remembered as one of faithful courage, steady labor, and humble devotion, virtues that need no flourish to be admired. He lived with a practical grace, and his days were filled
with the honest labor of his hands and the tender loyalty of his heart. As the Psalmist declares, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” In that promise, we commend Richard to the mercy of God, trusting that the Shepherd who guided him in life has now received him into eternal rest.

Though his earthly journey has ended, the memory of Richard Lee Brayfield will endure in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all whose lives were brightened by his presence. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love, and his example shall remain a quiet sermon to those who knew him best. May he rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Richard has chosen cremation and following the act, a private interment of his cremated remains will be held in Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, IL, with full military rites provided by the Franklin County Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post.

Those wishing to honor Richard’s life through giving, should direct those memorials to the American Softball Association Hall of Fame Museum, Casey, Illinois.

Lynette Ann Burr, 68, of Carbondale, formerly of Benton, passed away on August 3, 2026 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on March 14, 1958 to Melvin and Mildred (Robinson) Bigham.

She is survived by her brother Rick Bigham of Benton, five grandchildren and a special friend Joey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters Melissa Elder and Heather Elder, and two sisters Gaila Riddle and Marquetta Bigham.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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