CENTRALIA - Joseph Lewis Currie, 72, formerly of Centralia, passed away at his home on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, in Joliet. He was born on Jan. 27, 1938, in Centralia, the son of Samuel and Luvenia (Thorpe) Currie. He married Jenell Settles on March 27, in Marion and later divorced. Mr. Currie is survived by his children, Josephine (Tracy) Keeler of Centralia, Jacqueline Pickney of St. Paul, Minn., Jennifer (Michael) Green of Mississippi, Joseph Currie Jr. and Benjamin Currie, both of Joliet, Martin Wesley of Dallas; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Helena Matthews of Centralia; a sister-in-law, Dimple Currie of Centralia; a brother-in-law, Morris Matthews Sr. of Eagan, Minn.; stepsons James (Lydia) Jennings of Mt. Vernon and Michael Currie of Greenville; stepdaughters Mary (Michael) Meyer, Dorothy Jones, Francine McKinney and former wife and friend Jenell Currie all of Mt. Vernon; loving companion Earnestine Travis and her granddaughter L'reyana Bew, both of Joliet; best friend of many years, R.L. Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sons Robert "Robbie" Currie and Joshua Currie; brothers Richard, Samuel Jr., Glenzo, William David and Rollins Currie; sisters Joyce, Amanda Washington, Shirley Barnes and Luvenia Flagg; grandsons Briston Currie, Albert Jones Jr., Rodrick Currie; stepson Charles Jennings Jr.; and stepdaughter Warnette (Jennings) McGee. Mr. Currie was employed at Lee's Drug Store on Dec. 11, 1963, in Centralia. He enlisted in the Army Reserve, serving his country for nine years. After leaving the Reserve, he moved to Joliet, where he worked at the Stateville Prison. He retired from there in 1997. He attended Lincoln Elementary Grade School in Centralia and was a graduate of Centralia High School, where he played basketball. Mr. Currie had a passion for helping others and gave of himself freely whenever there was a need, whether it was helping at the church or fixing up houses. He loved spending quality time with his sister and brother. He and his brother were inseparable. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church in Centralia with the Rev. Val J. Powe officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by the Veterans Post 2055 and American Legion Post 446. Friends may call after 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the church. Irvin Funeral Home in Centralia is in charge of arrangements