Joyce Elaine Gunter of Sesser, IL passed away December 25, 2015.  Joyce was born July 27, 1950 in Christopher, Illinois the daughter of Andrew Earl and Clara Aline (Crocker) Brown.  Joyce was united in marriage to Hershel Lee Gunter the son of Albert Murphy and Leona (VanHoye) Gunter on June 19, 1971 at the Methodist Chruch in Sesser.

She graduated from Sesser-Valier Class of 1968.  She worked as General Assistance Job Project Coordinator for Goode Township Supervisor from April 1, 1986 to June 30, 2010 and worked part-time for the City of Sesser as Maple Hill Cemetery Secretary from January 4, 1999 to April 30, 2014 when she retired.  She also worked at Decca Records in Pinckneyville before her marriage and shortly after her marriage, and she also worked at Sesser Garment Factory during mine layoffs.

She was community minded and actively involved for many years in Sesser junior Woman’s Club, Sesser Junior Baseball-Softball Youth Organization, Sesser Opera House Restoration, Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce, Sesser American Legion Auxiliary, Southern Illinois Arthritis Foundation, Goode-Barren Historical-Genealogical Society, her mother and she cataloged the Maple Hill Cemetery and put in book form in 1996 which was sold by the historical society.

Joyce leaves a long legacy of a large family that she hope they will be forever grateful for having her in their lives, survivors include her three sons and their families, Brian Lee Gunter and his wife Angela Lynn (Murphy) of Sesser, Brent Andrew Murphy Gunter and his wife Melissa Ann (Donoho) of Sesser, Brice Taylor Gunter and his wife Karla Marie (Nipper) of Ewing, Illinois.  She has nine grandchildren:  Lukas Brian Gunter, Elijah “Eli” Eugene Gunter, Garrett Lee Gunter, Gabe Edward Gunter, and Annabelle “Belle” Lynn Gunter children of Brian and Angie, Brayden Andrew Murphy Gunter and Cody Raymond J. Gunter children of Brent and Melissa, Bryla Marie Gunter and Stella Elaine Gunter children of Brice and Karla.

Her extended family including her sisters and brother and their families:  Ruth Ann Brown Hicks of Sesser, Glenna Jean Brown and her husband Ronald Ray Roberson of Sesser, David Earl and his wife Sharon Kay (Kern) Brown of Creston, IL.

Nieces and nephews:  William “Billy” Gale Hicks Sesser, Vicki Lynn (Hicks) and her husband Bruce Alan Lewis of Valier, Alan Dale and his wife Kelley Leann (Loucks) Hicks of Sesser, Patrisha “Tish” Ann (Hicks) and her husband Robert “Bob” Edward Pinegar of Dixon, IL, Roger Earl and Wife Sandra Dianne (Pitchford) Hicks of Sesser,Richard Ray Roberson of Effingham, IL, Randall Rex Roberson Sesser, Edward Dean Rithie of Owasso, Oklahoma, Crystal Gail (Brown) and her husband David Scott Dunseth of Stillman Valley, IL, Dustin Earl and wife Noelle Shelby (Shultz) Brown of Creston, IL.

Special great nephews and nieces:  Ryan Gale Hicks Valier, Christin Michelle Hicks of Sesser, Jordan Lee Hicks of Sesser, William Andrew “Andy” and wife Anna Kathaleen “Katie” (House) Lewis of Benton, Wade Alan Lewis of Benton, Alyn Beth (Hicks) and husband Timothy James Newbury of Sesser, Tiffany Chanelle (Hicks) and husband William Eris Powell of Sesser, Sarah Elizabeth (Hicks) Alexander of Sesser, Mahaylah Claire (Hicks) and husband Timothy Lee Mabrey of Fort Leonardwood, MO, Robert Ethan Hicks, Dustin Lee Hicks, Alyana Brooke Hicks all of Sesser, Michael Edward and Jeanna Ann Louise Pinegar both of Dixon, IL, Timothy John Hicks of Sesser and fiancé Kelsey Whitecotton of Buckner, and Grace Abigail (Hicks) and husband Michael Phelps of Valier, Jonathon Michael Ritchie of Creston, IL, Owen Nathanial and Amelia Paige Dunseth both of Stillman Valley, IL, Collin Andrew Brown, Lauren Elizabeth Brown of Creston, IL.

Special Great Great Nephews and Nieces:  Halle Nicole Meiner and Waylon Lee Hicks both of Benton, Cadean Ryan Hicks of Sesser, Skyler Lynn Lewis of Benton, Layla Belle Newbury, and Alba James Newbury of Sesser, London Rhyan Powell of Sesser, Talan Andrew Alexander of Sesser, Brooklyn Grace Nevaeh and Ashlee Nicole Hicks both of Sesser, Torie Aline Pinegar of Dixon, IL, Jacob “Jake” Aaron Hicks, Joshua “josh” Thomas Hicks and Joseph ‘Joey” Robert Hicks, Gauge Ray Phillips, Karlie Mae Phillips and Della Grace Phillips all of Sesser, Noa Grace Phelps of Valier.

Gunter Brother-in-laws and Sister-in-laws:  Donald Ray and wife Sharlyn Kay (Offerman) Gunter of Valier, Allen Dakle and wife Diane (Rector,Tanner) Gunter of Orient, Brenda Lou Gunter of Christopher, Garry Wayne and wife Dori Sue (Cowsert) Gunter of Zeigler, Dennis James and wife Lori Dawn (Bearden) Gunter of Christopher, Linda Sue (Gunter) and husband Samuel ‘Sam” Wink of Mulkeytown.

Gunter Nieces and Nephews:  Heather Kay (Gunter) and husband Joshua Lee Raymond and daughter Piper Ann of Gobles, MI, Sherri Dawn Gunter and daughter Shayna Ranae Sloan of Christopher, Jason Ray and wife Shawna Diane (Wingo) Gunter and children Gavin Ray and Jaslyn Nicole of Sesser, Cory Don Gunter of Evansville, IN and children Jordan Scott and Joshua Ray Gunter of Valier, Jaxson Michael Gunter of Evansville, IN, Marty Allen and wife Vicki Leigh (Garmane) Gunter of Christopher and daughter Michelle Leigh (Gunter) and husband Craig Allen Helma and daughter Jazmine Nichole of Milnot, North Dakota, Wendy Sue (Gunter) Anderson and children Alex Lee and Mollie Sue Anderson of West Frankfort, Kyle Wayne and wife Cara Lynn (Frey) Gunter and son Ryan Gunter of Belleville, IL, Kara Charlene Gunter and daughter’s Valerie Marie Gunter and Ariel Michelle Gunter of Belleville, Samuel Blake and wife Misty Kay (Baker) Wink of Christopher, and daughter Makenne Faye Newell, Nekko Lee Wink and fience Mikala Chamness and son Jaden Murphy Kellerman of DuQuoin.

Joyce was preceded in death by husband: Hershel Lee Gunter died November 18, 2008, her father Andrew Earl Brown, paternal grandparents Asia Nat and Lettie Belle (Miller) Brown, Maternal grandparents Raymond J. and Mary Della (McBride) Crocker, father and mother –in-Law Albert Murphy and Leona (Van Hoye) Gunter, brother and sister in law Francis Albert and Judith “Judy” Ann (Pomroy) Gunter and their son Keith Allen Gunter.

Visitation will be on Tuesday December 29, 2015 from 5;00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Funeral Service will be on Wednesday December 30, 2015 at 11;00 A.M. at the funeral home with burial to follow at the Maple Hill Cemetery.  Joyce’s Celebration of Life will be officiated by the Former Mayor of the City of Sesser Ned Mitchell and Brother Larry Cook of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church.

The Gunter Family requests that you would consider a donation to The Sesser Valier Early Intervention Program (Make cchecks payable to S-V Community Unit 196) in Lieu of flowers in memory of their mother Joyce, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Edgar “Eddie” Wilson Roberts went to be with his Lord on December 21, 2015 in his home, after a brief struggle with cancer and a life of adversity. However, now he is greeted with open arms from the Lord and his family that has awaited him, and now for the first time in 73 years he is able to hear and yell with joy.

Eddie was born April 11, 1942 in Sesser to Claude and Viola (Loker) Roberts.

Eddie lived his life without the ability to hear or speak, but that never stopped him from being known to ever have a frown on his face, but always greeted all that he met with a smile.

Eddie was retired, and was known to many as a carpenter around town. There are many homes and businesses around Sesser that contain a piece of his handiwork. He worked as custodian at the Sesser Post Office before working for the City of Sesser for 25 years as a custodian.

In his earlier years, he was a member of the Sesser Police Department as an auxiliary officer, and spent many years on the Sesser Fire Department and helped transition it into a Fire District. He was also a life time member of the Coal Belt Association.

He was an avid train enthusiast watching and reading about trains, he loved his Cardinals baseball, and enjoyed NASCAR.

Eddie is survived by his nephew Justin Roberts of Sesser, his niece Amber Maree of DuQuoin, and his great nephew Elijah Wise of Sesser. He is also survived by many special and dear friends.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Viola (Loker) Roberts, and his brother Hubert Lyle Roberts.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 28, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday December 28, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois and Regional Home Care for their assistance through this time. Along with Addus home maker services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

BENTON — Mary Louise (Summers) McClerren, 91, joined loved ones in heaven Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015.

She was born May 11, 1924, the daughter of Joseph Guy and Grace Ethel (Harris) Summers in Cave Township.

Mrs. McClerren attended Thomsonville schools and after graduation worked in West Frankfort.

She met young William “Billy” Silas McClerren in Mount Zion Church in Thompsonville where a young Mary Lou and sister, Wilma, were singing in front of the congregation. Story was that she called him “pie-face” on the school grounds and him saying quietly he was going to marry her some day. They were married on May 23, 1943.

During World War II she worked in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Treasury where her responsibilities included contacting royalty members in asylum.

She was the song leader at East Benton Baptist Church where she was very active in the 1950s.

She was a very efficient homemaker, an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed quilting and baking. She also loved Christmas and thanked those that helped her “keep Christmas.”

The joys of her life were close and extended family — she was the hub of their lives keeping all informed of family blessings and ills.

Preceding her in death were her loving parents; all seven siblings; husband in March 1994; son, William Richard in July 2015; granddaughter, Kelly Jo Robertson in February 2015; grandson, Matthew Todd Emerson in 1974; great-grandson, Dalton Wayne Russell in 1995; and son-in-law, Dale Leroy Emerson in March 2015.

Keeping the family traditions alive are daughters, Marilyn Candace (Stephen) Hall of Boone, North Carolina, and Margaret Alison Emerson of Waverly; son, Samuel Silas of Springfield; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 2 p.m Sunday, Dec. 27 in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Thompsonville. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home at 410 S. Main St., in Benton.

The family requests donations be directed to Mount Zion Cemetery in Thompsonville or a favorite charity.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Randy Edwards, age 61, of Ewing passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at his home in Ewing.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Friends wishing to accompany Randy on his “last ride” are asked to meet at the Benton American Legion at 12:00 noon on Sunday, December 20, 2015 to drive in route to Kevin Tucker’s home for committal services.

Randy was born on June 25, 1954 in Christopher, Illinois, the son of Hampton Ben Edwards and Mary Gladys (Stevens) Edwards. He married Renee Johnston-Casey on July 2, 2013 and she survives.

Randy was a welder, working out of the Union Labor Hall 773.

He was a member of the Whittington Baptist Church.

Randy enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, rock hunting, exploring, camping and anything outdoors. He also enjoyed designing and building things out of rock.

Randy is survived by his wife Renee Johnston-Casey of Ewing; a son Cody Edwards of Pinckneyville, IL; other family members and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Cory Edwards, a sister Patricia Purcell, and a brother Kenneth Edwards.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted on Friday at the funeral home.

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

Ronald Terry Sr., 75, of Valier, IL, passed away Dec. 14, 2015.

Ron was born Dec. 14, 1940, the son of John Terry and Thelma (Wolze) Terry.

He was a coal miner and a member of the UMWA. Ron was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church.

Ron was married to Gladys (Evilsizer) Terry and she preceded him in death on June 26, 2008.

He is survived by his children, Ronald Terry, Jr. and fiance Amy Ison, of Valier, IL and Sandra and Jim “Bo” Shortland, of Thompsonville, IL; a special friend, Doris Leek, of Coello, IL; grandchildren Katie Alexis Terry, Christine Elizabeth Terry, Travis and Megan Shortland, Emily Shortland and Dawn Shortland; one brother, Mike Terry, West Frankfort, IL and one sister Joyce Eubanks, of Branson, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son Kevin Warren and two sisters, Nedra Pankie and Marilyn Eubanks.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Valier First Baptist Church with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis and the Rev. Steve Livingston officiating. Visitation will be from 11 am. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to First Baptist Church of Valier and will be accepted at the church.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Shelva Hutchcraft Lampley, age 79, of Benton, died at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at her home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2015 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Bert Mitchell and Rev. Bill Uhles 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. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home. Shelva was born on November 19, 1936 the daughter of Marshall Hutchcraft and Ruth (Sweet) Hurchcraft. She married Carl Eugene Lampley on September 2, 1978, and he preceded her in death on December 6, 2014. Shelva was retired from Benton Township General Assistance Office, where she worked as a secretary. Shelva enjoyed camping with her husband, gardening and spending time with her family. She was a member of the West City Baptist Church. Shelva is survived by her two children: Pam Edmondson of Goodyear, AZ, Mark Hall and wife Lori of West Frankfort, IL; two grandchildren: Jennie Dotson of Phoenix, AZ, David Dotson and girlfriend Ashley of Scottsdale, AZ; a brother-in-law Bill Lampley of Benton; a sister-in-law Mildred Eubanks of Benton; several cousins, nieces, nephews; and her caring friends and neighbors Lucille, Leanne, Pat and Stella. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Memorial contributions may be made to the West City Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home. To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Shelva, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

 

Devin Scott Osborne, 53, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015.

Devin was born August 27, 1962, the son of James A. Osborne and Opal Mae Wayman Osborne.

Devin was a true entrepreneur. He owned a dealership and was a drill bit distributor, traveling with his business. He was a mechanic and body man. Devin loved his race cars and loved to race.

The pride and joy of his life was his children and family. He is survived by his children, Brandy Osborne (Jake), Devin Scott Osborne II (Megan) and Allyson Osborne. Other survivors are his sister, Sherry Osborne Mix, West City, IL, Aunt Linda Osborne Sullivan (Melvin), grandchildren Christian, Braxton, Grayson, Gracie and Luna. He is survived by his nephew Michael Osborne (Anna), Lisa Osborne (Paul), Rebecca Choat (Jerry), Melody Osborne, Anita Osborne (Raymond), Angela Lugo (Pete) and Annabelle Shukites, close friends Jerry Riddle, Michelle Riddle Bean (Jeff), Bill (Barbara) Alsbury, Jimmy (Judy) Leonard, Victor Akin (Kim). He is also survived by several aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.

Devin was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Meredith L. Osborne, Roy Dean Osborne, niece, Dana D. Cowan, grandparents James Wayman, Ola M. Wayman, Lona Georgia Osborne Downing and Roy B. Osborne, great-grandparents Walter McKinney, Cora Alice McKinney, great-great nephew K.J. Osborne, niece Valerie Osborne and many aunts and uncles.

Devin never met a stranger and was always there to help when called upon. He was proud of his motorcycle and loved to ride. Devin was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Funeral serives will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL with the Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Bald Hill Cemetery, in Scheller, IL. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Eugene Travelstead, 64, of Sesser, IL passed away December 9, 2015 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Raymond was born May 5, 1951 in Metropolis, IL the son of Gene Travelstead and Edna (West) Travelstead.

He married Sue (Furlow) Travelstead on May 3, 1974 and she preceded him in death on June 9, 2015.

Raymond was a retired coal miner. He attended Valier First Baptist Church.

Raymond is survived by a son, Jerry and Lexy Travelstead, of Pinckneyville, IL; grandchildren Alaina Travelstead, Landon Travelstead and Jace Travelstead; one brother Alvin Travelstead, of Marion, IL and three sisters, Sue and Kenny Goddard, of Vienna, Barbara and G.A. Clymore, Jonesboro, IL and Donna Travelstead, Creal Springs, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Steve and Sherry Johnson and Larry and Bernadine Braddy, all of Benton, IL; and lifelong friend, Corky Morris, Marion, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Linda Smith, sister-in-law Dorothy Travelstead and one brother-in-law Greg Prineas.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 11, 2015 at 12 noon at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Mary “DeeDee” Frances (Driver) Neikes, 88, of Sesser, IL passed away December 4, 2015 at Lavender Ridge, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born July 6, 1927 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Charles Raymond Driver and Gladys Elizabeth (Rice) Driver.

Mary married Robert Neikes on September 6, 1947 and he preceded her in death on November 1, 1992.

She was retired from Lyn-Gia Garment Factory and was a member of the ILGWA Garment Workers Union, and she was a homemaker. Mary was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser. IL and was also a member of the St Mary’s Alter Society.

Mary is survived by her children, Mary Kay (Don) Miceli of Lakewood, Colorado, James (Ellen) Neikes of Christopher, IL, Marcia (Jerry) Whitehead of Benton, IL, Richard (Cheryl) Neikes of Centralia, IL and Robert E. “Bobby” (Tera) Neikes Jr. of Sesser; grandchildren Michael (Jennifer) Neikes of Marion, IL, and their children Keira, Ehren, and Austin, Allison (Tony) Peterson of Ashville, N.C. and their child Sarah Marie, Anthony Neikes of Christopher and his child Kaitlin, Alicia (Tony) Canterna of Linthicum, MD, and their children Reese and Anthony Canterna, Ashley (Patrick) Smail of Glen Burnie, MD and their child Grant Smail, Jared Whitehead of Webster, TX, Richard (Clairesse) Neikes Jr. of Centralia and their children Jaden, Cantessa, Alannah, and Taylor, Teresa (Jon) Smith of Centralia and their child Riley Hannah Neikes of Thomasville, AL, Kelisy Grob of Sesser, Keegan Neikes of Sesser, Rebecca (Mark) James of Marion and their children Darius, Domonic, and Donovan; one brother Michael (Mary) Driver, of Ocala, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers Raymond Driver and James Driver.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Sesser, IL with Father Urban Osuji and Father Peter Hsu officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser with a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Ronald Guy Merrill, aka “Eazy” age 66, of Benton, died Monday, November 30, 2015 at the
St. Louis University Hospital.

Graveside funeral services with military rites will be at 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 7, 2015 at Mounds National Cemetery, Mounds, IL, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton. Arrangements are through the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Ronald Guy Merrill was born on January 8, 1949 in Chicago, IL, the son of Robert Louis Merrill and Guyda Mae (Huffman) Merrill.

Ron had several titles and occupations including: truck driver, tow truck driver, respiratory therapist, fireman, paramedic, and registered nurse.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Viet Nam War, having served in the Army from March 28, 1966 until March 7, 1969. Ron would later join the U.S. Navy on November 12, 1975 and serve in the Navy until May 25, 1976.

Ron was a member of the Band of Brothers Motorcycle Club, where he served as Sergeant at Arms of the Foxtrot Company.

He is survived by his four children: Brandy Merrill-Austin and husband Ronald Pierce of Benton, Michael Merrill and girlfriend Jodee Estel of Christopher, Veronica Merrill of Christopher, Stephanie Merrill of Benton; five grandchildren: Zachary Rock of Colp, Morgan Rock of Benton, Deanna Hays of Christopher, Jason Lampley of Benton, Mary Hays of Christopher; a great-grandson: Shawn Poe of Benton; a brother: Robert Merrill of Lebanon, MO; two sisters: Diane Glass of Beaumont, TX, Joanie Merrill of Fort Worth, TX; and club brother/son figure/ nephew: Robert Galant and wife Kerry of Sesser; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Merrill was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: John Merrill; and a grandson: Matthew Lampley.

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