Martha “Flo” Hargis, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Plano Specialty Hospital in Plano, Texas. Martha was born Nov. 2, 1938, in Franklin County, to William Noble and Nannie Jane (Smith) Overturf. She was a homemaker. Martha was a member of Church of Christ in Benton. She married Carl “Chick” Hargis and he preceded her in death Jan.7, 1980. Survivors include children, Kelly and Marion Lappin in Sesser, and Gina and Kelly Kaufman of Wylie, Texas; grandchildren, Carly Lappin, Rae and Ross Worthey, Keith Kaufman, Leah Kaufman and Vaughn Kaufman. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Hargis; one sister, Burnes Warman; and three brothers, Evan, Leo and Walter Overturf. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be in Smith Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.   

  Mildred J. Watts, 78, of Ina, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at White Oaks Rehab & Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon. She was born in Ina on Dec. 6, 1936, the daughter of Cortney and Flora Lee (Fletcher) Sheridan. She married Howard G. Watts on July 21, 1956, and he survives. Mrs. Watts worked for Fannie May Candies, retiring in 1994. She was a store manager and in charge of opening stores in Oswego, Nashville, Tenn., and Mt. Vernon. Mrs. Watts is survived by her husband, Howard G. Watts of Ina; three children, Nanette Watts-Newell of Sesser, Suzanne Little of Christopher and Bradley Watts of Channahon; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Junior Sheridan and wife Pat of Ava and Bobbie Sheridan of Ina; sister-in-law, Joyce Sheridan of Benton; two brothers-in-law, John Watts of Manchester, Tenn., and Dick Watts of Mt. Vernon; and many nieces and nephews Mrs. Watts was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Florene Milliner and Beatrice Kash; and two brothers, Larry and Kenny Sheridan. It was Mrs. Watts wishes to be cremated and no services will be held. The Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.

I have her in my Overturf file as Florine Overturf. She would be my 4th cousin. Bob -----Original Message----- From: elvis500@frontier.com via <ilfrankl@rootsweb.com> To: Franklin Co. <ilfrankl@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thu, Jan 22, 2015 11:09 am Subject: [ILFRANKL] HARgis, mARTHA "fLO" (obit) Martha “Flo” Hargis, 76, died Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015, in Plano Specialty Hospital in Plano, Texas. Martha was born Nov. 2, 1938, in Franklin County, to William Noble and Nannie Jane (Smith) Overturf. She was a homemaker. Martha was a member of Church of Christ in Benton. She married Carl “Chick” Hargis and he preceded her in death Jan.7, 1980. Survivors include children, Kelly and Marion Lappin in Sesser, and Gina and Kelly Kaufman of Wylie, Texas; grandchildren, Carly Lappin, Rae and Ross Worthey, Keith Kaufman, Leah Kaufman and Vaughn Kaufman. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Mark Hargis; one sister, Burnes Warman; and three brothers, Evan, Leo and Walter Overturf. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be in Smith Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

  Together with their parents Kaitlynn Melissa Alvis and John Thomas Pulliam announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. The bride-elect is the daughter of Kevin and Cindy Alvis of Benton and Mike and Julie Hayes of Mt. Vernon. The prospective groom is the son of Lex and Shannon Stewart and the late John Pulliam of Benton. Miss Alvis is a 2009 graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School, a 2011 graduate of Rend Lake College and a May 2014 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a bachelor of liberal arts degree in psychology. She is currently employed as a cashier at the Cracke Barrel Old Country Store in Marion. Mr. Pulliam is a 2007 graduate of Benton High School, a 2009 graduate of Rend Lake College, a 2011 graduate of Southern Illinois University with a bachelor of science degree in special education and is a 2014 graduate of McKendree College with a master of arts degree in educational administration. He is currently employed as a learning specialist at Benton Elementary School. An Oct. 18 wedding is planned at the Benton Civic Center in Benton.

  Clarence E. Johnson, 87, of Marion, IL, died at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at River to River, Marion, IL. He was born on September 25, 1927, in Buncombe, IL, and is the son of William and Dimple (Webb) Johnson. Clarence was a member of the V.F.W. Post 1301, Marion IL and the American Legion Post 147, Marion, IL. Surviving relatives include his children, Marilyn Schwartz and husband John, Rita Gilmore and husband John and Clint Johnson and wife Angie, two brothers, Herschel Johnson and Bryan Johnson, two grandchildren, Kara Kobler and Jade Johnson, two great-grandchildren, Kiersten Kerley and Kolby Keyser and one great-great-granddaughter, Kensleigh Kerley. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Verla Casey and Ruth Webb. Memorial contributions may be made to the Webb Cemetery, Tunnel Hill, IL. Per his wishes Clarence wanted to be cremated and graveside service arrangements are currently pending at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, Benton, IL.                                       

  Larry G. Summers, 66, of Benton, IL, died at 4:45 a.m., Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Helia Healthcare of Benton. Mr. Summers was born on November 20, 1948, in Benton, IL, the son of Denzil R. and Eileen M. (Warren) Summers. Larry always enjoyed playing a good game of bingo or cards. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Larry enjoyed eating good food. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother, Linda Brayfield and James Summers. Surviving relatives include his brothers and sisters, Vernon Summers and wife Marge of St. Louis, MO, Daniel Summers and wife Carol of St. Louis, MO, Marion Caswell of Moody, TX, Betty Eubanks of Benton, IL and Barbara Walton and husband Warren of Benton, IL, also surviving many nieces, nephews and friends. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2015, at Knob Prairie Cemetery, Akin, IL with the Rev. Bryant Harris officiating services. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, Benton, IL. Memorial Contributions may be made to Knob Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial gue

  Martha Flo Hargis November 21, 1938 - January 18, 2015 Pending at Gilbert-Brayfield Funeral Home

  Linnie Myrtle Robinson, 104, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:05 A.M., Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at her residence. Linnie was a homemaker and had been employed at the Elkville Post Office for seventeen years as a clerk and Postmaster. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Elkville and had been a Sunday School teacher for over fifty years. She was born December 30, 1910 at Tamaroa, IL, the daughter of John Allen and Amy (Emerson ) Newhouse. She married John Eugene Robinson on October 7, 1933 at Carbondale, IL and he preceded her in death on August 17, 2006. They were married for over seventy-two years. She is survived by one son - Van Robinson and wife Vanessa of Dover, DE, two grandsons- Jon Robinson and wife Cary stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and Phillip Scott Robinson of Cape Girardeau, MO, one granddaughter - Holly Robinson of St. Louis, MO, two great grandsons - Ian Daniel Robinson and Isaac Joseph Robinson, both of Germany, two nephews and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters and one brother. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Pastor Scott Slone officiating. Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin. Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin. Friends may make memorials to the Elkville Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.                        

  Ruth I. Green, 90, of Mt. Vernon and a former Benton resident, passed away at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at her second home, the Mt. Vernon Residential Living Center. She was born in Benton on Sept. 14, 1924, the daughter of Ed and Hattie (Johnson) Sanders. She married Ralph E. Green on Nov. 14, 1946, and he preceded her in death on July 25, 2011. Mrs. Green loved to go to rummage sales. She loved to go out and eat with her sisters then they all went back to her mom’s to visit. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She gave them her unconditional love and did anything for them she possibly could. Mrs. Green is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Hayes and husband Rick of Mt. Vernon, Tammy Noel and husband Jim of Benton and Sharon McKissen and husband Dan of Michigan; grandchildren, Tommy Hayes and wife Amy of Mt. Vernon, Todd Hayes and wife Stacy of Mt. Vernon, Tim and Kevin Spears of Benton, Melanie Harvey and husband Brian of Carbondale, Brecca and Bryli Wyant of Benton, Sandy Fauble and husband Gale of Michigan, Vickie Hoffman of Georgia and Gerald Losinski and wife Pam of Michigan; great-grandchildren, Alexys, Paetyn, Kennady, Darick, Jacob and Emily Hayes all of Mt. Vernon, Hannah Harvey of Carbondale, Alicia Shelton of Whittington and Chelsea, Brittany and Kaylee Spears of Benton; sister, Delores Neal of Norris City; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Green was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Donna Green Kuriger; brother, Chike Sanders; and two sisters, Mildred Crowder and Doris Downey. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 12 p.m. Thursday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

  Charles "Chuck" Day, 75-year-old Thompsonville resident, Charles “Chuck” Day died at 6:34 Monday morning, Jan. 19 at his home. He was a truck driver.Survivors include his wife, Ellen Louise Day of Thompsonville; three daughters, Penny Blades and husband Randy of Johnston City, IL, Laura Chaffin and husband Jeffrey of Stonefort and Bridget Preslar of Benton, IL; four sons, Timothy Day and wife Bonnie of McLeansboro, David Day of Hawthorne, FL, Michael Day and wife Susan of Mt. Vernon, IL and Patrick Day of Johnston City, IL; 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.At this time, there will be no public visitation or funeral services. Mr. Day requested to be cremated and a family memorial service will follow at a later date.The Harre Funeral Home of McLeansboro is in charge of all the arrangements.

I think her second husband was Harrison Wiley Muir. He died in 1952. married sometime before 1940 I also think her mother's Maiden name was STILTS. Name: Katherine Cockrum Titles and Terms: Event Type: Census Event Date: 1940 Event Place: Sesser, Goode Township, Franklin, Illinois, United States Gender: Female Age: 11 Marital Status: Single Race (Original): White Race: White Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Daughter Relationship to Head of Household: Daughter Birthplace: Illinois Birth Year (Estimated): 1929 Last Place of Residence: Benton, Franklin, Illinois District: 28-39 Family Number: 644 Sheet Number and Letter: 33A Line Number: 37 Affiliate Publication Number: T627 Affiliate Film Number: 804 Digital Folder Number: 005459545 Image Number: 00281 Household Role Gender Age Birthplace Harrison Muir Head M 50 Illinois Opal Muir Wife F 35 Illinois Katherine Cockrum Daughter F 11 Illinois Nola Cockrum Daughter F 8 Illinois Citing this Record: "United States Census, 1940," index and images, <i>FamilySearch</i> (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KWH3-V6L : accessed 14 Nov 2014), Katherine Cockrum in household of Harrison Muir, Sesser, Goode Township, Franklin, Illinois, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 28-39, sheet 33A, family 644, NARA digital publication of T627, roll 804, NARA digital publication of T627, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C. -----Original Message----- From: ilfrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ilfrankl-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of rwlmn via Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2015 11:51 AM To: ilfrankl@rootsweb.com Subject: [ILFRANKL] Opal Gussie Dethrow Cockrum Conner 1904 1975 Opal Gussie Dethrow is the daughter of Inman Ross Dethrow and Hester Stills. Married first Hirl Lemuel Cockrum. Married second Jasper Conner. Her first husband Hirl is part of my Brown family. The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Thursday, April 24, 1975 Opal Conner Sesser Mrs. Opal Dethrow Conner, 70, of Sesser, died at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Franklin Hospital in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Whittington, with the Rev. Jesse Allen and the Rev. Oran Kersh officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill cemetery, Sesser. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Friday. Mrs. Conner was born in Whittington on May 15, 1904, the daughter of Inman and Hester (Stills) Dethrow. She was married to Jasper Conner, who survives. Mrs. Conner was a member of the Nason Free Will Baptist church, the Rebekah Lodge in Sesser and the VFW Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Jasper, of Sesser; one son, Charles Ross Cockrum, Benton; three daughters, Mrs. Albert (Anna) Willis, Elgin, Mrs. Pete (Kathran) Tope, Wood River. and Mrs. Robert (Nola) Bogosian, Dalton; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Harvey Dethrow, Whittington; and one sister, Mrs. Addie Conner, Mulkeytown. She wa! s preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters. ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ILFRANKL-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

  Geraldine "Gerry" Sniderwin, 84, of Benton, IL, died at 6:25 a.m., Monday, January 19, 2015, at Helia Healthcare of Benton. She was born on May 6, 1930, in Thompsonville, IL, the daughter of Walter and Lillian (Daugherty) Jones. She married Charles "Cecil" Sniderwin on September 22, 1956 and he survives. From this union, came one son, Steven Sniderwin of rural Benton. In addition to her husband and son, Gerry is survived by her grandchildren, Mary Beth (Josh) of Marion and Andrew (Heidi) of Benton, great grandchildren, Griffin, Caroline and Holland. Special friends, John and Judy Overturf, Tammy Summers and family, Chris Overturf and family and Justin Overturf and Family. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings and daughter-in-law, Cindy Sniderwin. Gerry was a homemaker on the family farm and played an active role in her church playing the piano and participating in the Vacation Bible School. She was a woman of faith, and known for her good cooking. Gerry served as an election judge for many years. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory, Benton, IL. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m., January 22, 2015 at the funeral home with Pastor Jerry Montgomery Officiating. Burial will follow services at the Union-McCann Cemetery located near Union Freewill Baptist Church, Thompsonville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Akin Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home &

  Dixie Louise Morrison McGinty, 79, of West Frankfort passed away on January 17, 2015. Dixie was born on May 7, 1935. She was a member of 1st Baptist Church in West Frankfort. Dixie is survived by: Children: Joy (Jim) Kinsman, Brad (Molly) McGinty, Gay (Darin) Morton; Stepdaughter: Kathy Trotter; Grandchildren: Joshua (Valerie) Kinsman, Jacy (John) Page, Stephanie (Justin) Hill, Calen McGinty, Kert Williams, Colton Williams, Darian Morton; Great-grandchildren: Jacob, Luke, AJ, Jonathan, Makalie, Levi, and Landon; Brother: Jerry (Sandy) Morrison; Aunt: Bert Bauer; Nieces: Sharon Bundy and Jana Morrison; Half Sister: Holly Williams; and Cousin: Jeanette Brotherton. Dixie was preceded in death by: Parents Marvin Morrison, Irene (Hollis) Williams, Infant Daughter Shelia Rea McGinty, Bill McGinty, Jeanne Morrison. Our Mother was a Spiritual Leader and Prayer Warrior. She shared Christ with hundreds of people thru her daily mailings of cards. She lifted peoples spirits with her comforting words and also her great sense of humor and laughter. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren she felt were a true gift from God and she taught them about the love of Jesus. Even tho our mother endured hardships at a young age she allowed God to turn that into a life of love and laughter that was felt by all. Our hearts are truly breaking by the loss of our mother but our souls rejoice as she stands before the Lord. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m. at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Mike Cash officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 20th from 5 to 8 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Dixie's Benevolence Fund.

Opal Gussie Dethrow is the daughter of Inman Ross Dethrow and Hester Stills. Married first Hirl Lemuel Cockrum. Married second Jasper Conner. Her first husband Hirl is part of my Brown family. The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Thursday, April 24, 1975 Opal Conner Sesser Mrs. Opal Dethrow Conner, 70, of Sesser, died at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Franklin Hospital in Benton. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Whittington, with the Rev. Jesse Allen and the Rev. Oran Kersh officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill cemetery, Sesser. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Friday. Mrs. Conner was born in Whittington on May 15, 1904, the daughter of Inman and Hester (Stills) Dethrow. She was married to Jasper Conner, who survives. Mrs. Conner was a member of the Nason Free Will Baptist church, the Rebekah Lodge in Sesser and the VFW Auxiliary. She is survived by her husband, Jasper, of Sesser; one son, Charles Ross Cockrum, Benton; three daughters, Mrs. Albert (Anna) Willis, Elgin, Mrs. Pete (Kathran) Tope, Wood River. and Mrs. Robert (Nola) Bogosian, Dalton; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Harvey Dethrow, Whittington; and one sister, Mrs. Addie Conner, Mulkeytown. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and three sisters.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Winnie1919 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.illinois.counties.franklin/1382.3/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am trying to find the Thomas M Summers (b 1847), who is the father of Mary Frances Summers (eldest daughter, b 07 Dec 1877, d 22 August 1936, married 1) William P Allen and 2) Presley Madden Looney) Mary's death certificate states her father's name is Thomas "Monroe" Summers and he was born in "Viana", IL. (informant is son, Harvey Looney) I believe this is actually Vienna, IL Vienna is in Johnson County, but county boundaries have changed throughout history and was close to Franklin. Thomas married Caroline Mitts (b 1857 TN d 1908 AR) in Bolinger County, Missouri, in 1876. Thomas stayed married to her until she died. The family moved from Bolinger, MO to Stoddard, MO to Cleburne County, AR. The children were: Mary Frances, California, Millard Vanburen, Levina (Vina), John, and Joseph. I have not been able to find the parents for this Thomas. Emanuel Summers does not seem to be right. I am wondering if the Thomas Manion Summers who divorce Prudence is correct. I have not found any record of him after the divorce. What is the record for the middle name of Manion? Other than pension index, I have not seen record for Thomas Marshal Summers. Marshall is listed as an alias. Apparently, he is the son of Thomas, Jr, and possibly the 3rd and may have gone by his middle name. I did see a record for a Thomas Summers in IL mustering out in 1864. Any help in finding the parents of Thomas Monroe Summers would be appreciated. Thanks, Winnie Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

  Vicki Lynn (Browning) Ayers, age 61, of Herrin, passed away at 7:54pm on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Herrin Hospital. Vicki was born in Christopher on June 7, 1953, the daughter of Robert Martin Browning and Nora (Farmer) Harris. She married Raymond Frederick Ayers in Mayfield, KY on September 7, 2007. He survives in Herrin. Mrs. Ayers was a member of the First Baptist Church in Zeigler. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her mother- Nora Harris of HerrinHusband- Raymond Ayers of HerrinMaternal Aunt- Bessie Borgra of West SalemPaternal Aunt- Naomi Kendall of Herrin She was preceded in death by her father- Robert Browning and her daughter- Stephanie Lynn Sperry. Memorial services will be held at noon on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin with Rev. Don Colson officiating. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00am until noon on Friday at the funeral home.  

The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Thursday, July 8, 1965 Roy Thompon (sic.) Dies In Kansas; Sesser Funeral Graveside rites for Roy Thompson will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Maple Hill cemetery in Sesser. The body will lie in state at the Brayfield Funeral Home in Sesser where friends may call between the hours of 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Friday. Mr. Thompson, 53, of Goodland, Kan., died at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in that city. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Thompson of Goodland; a brother. Otto Thompson; and a sister, Mrs. Blanche Lewis, both of Sesser.

Thanks for posting, Bob. Sarah Jane Lance is d/o Henry Lance & Louisa Jane Tiecinger -----Original Message----- From: iljeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:iljeffer-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of rwlmn via Sent: Monday, January 19, 2015 5:51 PM To: iljeffer@rootsweb.com Subject: [ILJEFFER] Arthur B. Cockrum 1881 1958 Arthur is a twin to Esther E. Cockrum Arthur is buried at St. Trinity Cemetery, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri. The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Tuesday, December 2, 1958 Arthur Cockrum, Former Resident Of Ina, Is Dead Arthur B. Cockrum, 77, died Sunday at his home, 822 Zeiss avenue in St. Louis. He is a former resident of the Ina community. Funeral services will be held at 1 p. m. tomorrow at the Gethsemane Lutheran church in St. Louis and burial will be in that city. The body will lie in state at the Hoffmelster Funeral Home, 7914 south Broadway in St. Louis, where friends may call at any time. Mr. Cockrum was born in Jefferson county on Sept. 5, 1881, the son of Stephen P. and Sarah (Lance) Cockrum. He was married to Louisa Kohr who survives. Other survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Esther Lucas of Kirkwood, Mo., and Mrs. W. F. Son of Danville, Ill.; and a niece Mrs. Elva Casey of 711 Pavey, Mt. Vernon.

  Mary Louise Layne, 87, of Savannah, Texas passed away on December 10, 2014. Mary Lou moved to Denton, Texas at the age of 86 after more than thirty years in West Frankfurt, Illinois where she was one of the Swimmin' Women and a member of the Red Hat Society. Once in Savannah, Mary Lou learned to navigate a major thoroughfare in order to attend church, visit the public library, enroll in water aerobics at the Denton Natatorium, and handle all personal errands herself. She took on each new challenge as it presented itself, often saying, "I do what I have to do." Known for her energy, grace, sense of humor, and inner strength, Mary Lou loved dogs, played golf, and created handcrafted quilts and dolls. A true matriarch, she was the center of activity for the large family that surrounded and adored her. With love and joy, she embraced everyone who married into her family. And they all looked forward to what "Grandmother" gave them. Grandmother's quilts. Grandmother's dolls. Grandmother's biscuits and gravy. Grandmother's fried chicken. Grandmother's love. Grandmother. Mary Lou made the most of every moment of her life. She had no regrets and there was nothing left unsaid to anyone she loved. She was one beautiful human being. Mary Lou Layne is survived by two sons, John Taylor Blair, Elizabeth, PA, Bradley Layne, Atlanta, GA, three daughters, Olivia Coleman, Knoxville, TN, Merry Kathleen White, Magnolia, TX, and Susan Lynn Phillips, Savannah, TX, fifteen grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in the Chapel of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Denton, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA in honor of Mary Lou, a long-time supporter of the organization. Hello, Mary Lou, goodbye heart Sweet Mary Lou, I'm so in love with you. I knew, Mary Lou, we'd never part, So Hello Mary Lou, goodbye heart. Published in Daily American News from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2015

  Verbal Sue "Aunt Sue" Griffin, age 80, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015, in Westside Care Center of West Frankfort, IL. She was born on Saturday, June 30, 1934; at home in West Frankfort, IL the daughter of Thomas B. and Jessie Rae (Hibbs) Griffin. Sue grew up and attended school in West Frankfort and was a graduate of West Frankfort High School Class of 1951. She continued her education and in 1955 she received her degree in nursing from St. Francis School of Nursing in Peoria, IL. She was raised in the Northern Baptist Church of West Frankfort, IL and was currently attending the Harmony Free Will Baptist church of West Frankfort, IL. While attending FCHS, she was a member of the marching band. She was quite the saxophone player and enjoyed playing alongside her friends Dean and Sylvia Tharp. She also played girls softball. She often told the story of how Principal Goebel Patton told her that she had to play on the boy's baseball team as well as the girls softball team because of her talent. She played one game with the boys, hit a home-run and quit because she was so embarrassed. After graduation from nursing school, she moved to Houston, Texas to work at M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Hospital. Her next big job opportunity resulted in a 40 year career in Las Vegas, NV as she accepted a position at the Women's Hospital. Before retirement she was coordinator for nursing home facilities in three western states. She was loved by her family and many friends, and her memory will last a lifetime! We love our Aunt Sue, our Las Vegas wild hooligan. She will be missed by all. She is survived by her three nieces and two nephews and their spouses, Clay and Michelle Thompson of West Frankfort, IL, Jaye and Randy Palmer of West Frankfort, IL, Chari (Pyle) and Dale Wester of Tallahassee, FL, Becky (Pyle) and Jay Wescoat of Quincy, FL and Stephen and Lori Pyle of West Palm Beach, FL, fourteen great nieces and nephews, thirteen great-great nieces and nephews; her close friend who she considered as her sister, May Hanson of West Frankfort, IL and formerly of Las Vegas, NV; two cousins, Ray Carter of Clarksville, TN and Jolene Oppawsky and her husband, Johann of Tucson, AZ; two brothers-in-law, Jim Thompson of West Frankfort, IL and Arnie Belcher of Quincy, FL, other extended family members and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Betty Griffin, Marian Thompson and Judith (Pyle) Belcher and brother, Thomas Griffin. Arrangements for Verbal Sue "Aunt Sue" Griffin have been entrusted to the Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday, January 10th at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Stone Funeral Home with Rev. Curtis Smith presiding. Burial will follow at a later date in Tower Heights Cemetery of West Frankfort, IL. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to either "Frankfort Area Historical Society", "Harmony Free Will Baptist Church" or "Grace Baptist Fellowship". Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Stone Funeral Home, 1201 East Poplar St., West Frankfort, IL 62896. For additional information or to leave an online "Condolence of Memory" or light a "Candle in Memory", please visit our website at stonefh.com or call 618-932-2161.