Obituaries

IN MEMORY OF: Charles L. “Charlie” Berra Charles L. “Charlie” Berra, 63, of Johnston City passed away at 12:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Charlie was born September 22, 1946 in Herrin. The son of Louis “Beak” Berra. He married Ellen Smith on July 31, 1986 in Paducah, Kentucky. Together they have shared 23 years of marriage. Charlie was retired having owned and operated Berra Excavating in Johnston City for more than 30 years. Charlie always loved playing in the dirt. He attended Second Baptist Church in Marion. He also loved his boat and enjoyed going fishing at every opportunity. He adored his two dogs, Maui and Molly. Charlie could fix anything and enjoyed passing along his knowledge. “He will be missed by many life long friends whose lives he touched”. Survivors include his wife Ellen Berra of Johnston City; son, David Thompson and wife Kristen of Hattiesburg, MS.; granddaughter and sugerbooger, Mackenzie Thompson; nephew, Chris Hacker of Valdosta, GA. and his children, Brenden and Jasmine; brother-in-law, Bill Smith and wife Edie of Troutman, NC. and their daughter Stephanie; Chuck Smith and wife Glenda of Myrtle Beach, NC. and their daughter Kim Wade; sister-in-law, Julie Killion of Valdosta, GA. and her daughter Chelsea; sister, Lisa Huff and husband Warren of St. Louis and their children Kirk and Abbey; brother, Monty Berra of Johnston City; aunt, Mary Ronsi of Herrin; step children, Robin Fox of Ferges, Kevin Brunk of Marion, David Brunk and wife Chandra of Carterville, Julie Hayden and husband Matthew of Vienna He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, Ambrose and Leena Berra;  brother, Martin Berra; brother-in-law, Kevin Killion and his mother-in-law, Barbara Manning. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 5, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Dr. Bob Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Charlie Berra by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Sharon King Sharon King, 59, of Johnston City, passed away 11:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Parklane Care and Rehabilitation Facility in Wentzville, Missouri. Sharon was born January 16, 1951 in Anna, Illinois to Richard Edward Lawrence and Lillian Jeanette Davis. She married Virgil King on September 7, 1974 in Carbondale. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2002. Together they shared 28 years of marriage. Sharon was a member of Community Chapel Church in Marion. She was a homemaker. She loved and adored her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing and collecting angels and bells. Survivors include, her daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Brian Driemeyer of Lake St. Louis, MO.; her son, Steven King of Marion; two grandchildren, Madison and Kyle Driemeyer of Lake St. Louis, MO.; mother, Lillian Gurley of Cambria; three sisters, Shirley Kent and husband Charlie of Mt. Vernon, Paula Denham and husband Gordon of Cambria, Marylyn Myers and husband Leon of Pittsburg; two brothers, Clifton Lawrence of Carterville and Dale Gurley of Mayfield, KY.; Also survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father; husband; and a brother, Raymond Lawrence. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Interment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery.   Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Sharon King by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Richard M. "Dick" Thompson Richard M. “Dick” Thompson, 77, of Johnston City, passed away 10:40 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 in the Community Life Center at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion with his loving family by his side. Dick was born October 11, 1932 in Rockford, Illinois to Fred Thompson and Melba (Abbott) Swartz. He married Lola Faye Layne on July 17, 1954. She preceded him in death on September 8, 1976.  He then married Susan Gualdoni on March 18, 1977. Together they have shared 33 of marriage. Dick was manager of Stuckey’s in Johnston City for 20 years. He retired in 1994 from Johnston City Unit 1 school district where he was employed as a custodian at Jefferson School for several years.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1953. He served and fought for his country during the Korean War. Survivors include his wife Sue of Johnston City; seven children, Rhonda Rowe and husband Des of Rockford, Janice Smith of Energy, Brenda Garrison and husband Brian of Delphi, IN., Randy Ferrel and wife Paula of Huntington, W.V., Kenny Thompson and wife Beverly of Herrin, David Thompson and fiance’ Bethany of Cannon Falls, MN; and his little sweet pea,  Diane Thompson of Johnston City, eleven grandchildren, Scott and Brandon Rowe, Billy Hansford, Philip Tuck, Ragan Sartan, Jennifer Lyell, Erin and Kyle Garrison, Coty and Heather Cole and Kaleb Thompson; several great grandchildren; son-in-law, Benji Hansford of Johnston City; sister, Jean Clausen of Florrisant, MO; in-laws, Jim and Diane Gualdoni of Johnston City; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Coleman and husband Kendall of O’Fallon, Chanda Hasselbach and husband Brian of Fairview Heights;  four brothers-in-law, Mike Gualdoni  and wife Denise of Edwardsville, Jim Gualdoni of Maryland Heights, MO., Andy Gualdoni and wife Dorice of Stiritz, Paul Gualdoni and wife Crystal of  Johnston City. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Lola, he was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jeannie Hansford; grandson, Joshua Thompson, and a niece Rebekah Coleman. Celebration of Life services will be at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 5, 2010 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Msgr. Ken Schaefer officiating. Flag Presentation by members of the Illinois National Guard Military Honors Team will conclude the services. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset medical expenses. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. The family would like to express and thank everyone at Community Life Center for all their kindness during Dick’s stay. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Richard “Dick” Thompson by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Joseph Carl Lill, Sr. Joseph Carl Lill, Sr., 59, of Elizabethtown and formerly of Johnston City,  passed away 9:05 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana. Joseph was born July 20, 1949 in Chicago to George Anthony and Genevieve (Truna) Lill. He was married to Karen Martin on July 23, 1983 in Mt. Vernon. Together they shared 26 years of marriage. Joseph was a truck driver for Star Transport of Morton, Illinois for several years before failing health forced him to retire. He also helped train other truck drivers for the company and he was awarded many times for his safe driving record. He was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosiclare. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping and taking Sunday drives with his family. He always enjoyed a new adventure and was very spontaneous. He loved dressing up as Santa Claus each year for his grandchildren and other countless children. Survivors include, his wife Karen Lill of Elizabethtown;  eight children, Michelle Reed and husband Eddie of Elizabethtown, Carrie Childers and husband, Gary  of Rosiclare, Donna Duncan of Springfield, Michael Duncan of Marion, Joseph Lill, Jr. and wife Pauline of Chicago, Rhonda Bansley and husband Edward of Chicago, Jessica Garcia of Chicago, Barbara Evans and husband Chuck of Chicago; 18 grandchildren, Elissa Lill, Caryn Mayo, Kylee, Michaela, Joshua, Robert and Ashleigh Duncan, Pamela Bantle, Marissa Torres, Juliana and Robert Garcia, Frankie White, Marcus Lill, Joseph Reed, III, Jodi and Jennifer Reed,  Emma and Charlie Evans; three sisters, Patricia Payne of Dongola, Georgetta Kent and husband Ray of Chicago, Bette Reskey of Chicago; two brothers, Michael Lill and wife Terri of Barnsville, GA., Anthony Lill and wife Charmane of Lawrenceburg, TN.; several nieces and nephews and special friends, Robbie and Amber Bell and their children Charlie, Hunter and Julia of Marion. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Joseph Duncan Williams. Services will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosiclare with Fr. Ignatius Okonkwo officiating. Inurnment will follow at a later date at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Rosiclare. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Rosiclare.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Joseph Carl Lill, Sr. by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Elijah David Short Elijah David Short, infant son of Bradley and Ashley (Nelson) Short, was born quiet at 4:50 a.m., Friday, January 15, 2010 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Survivors include his parents, Bradley and Ashley Short of Marion; maternal grandparents, David and Beverly Nelson of Marion, paternal grandparents, Richard and Janet Palmer of Marion; great grandparents, Ira, Jr. “Buzz” and Margie Simmons of Marion, Jim and Margaret Gibbons of Harco, John and Anne Horne of Waco, TX., Elta Robertson of Tonganoxie, KS., JoAnn Gray of  McLeansboro; Also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pamela Nelson; great grandparents, Orville and Ruby Short and an aunt, April Short. Private graveside services will be 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at Mt. Pleasant Poordo Cemetery with Rev. David Nelson officiating.  Arrangements are entrusted to Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Elijah David Short by posting your tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Geraldine Harriett Cornille Geraldine Harriett Cornille, 86, of West Frankfort, passed away at 11:16 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2009 in Franklin Hospital in Benton. Geraldine was born August 24, 1923 in Johnston City to Augustve and Bertha (Decupper) Delvoy. She married Emil Thomas Cornille on June 17, 1941. He preceded her in death on April 29, 1975.  Geraldine was retired having been a LPN for 27 years at the Union Hospital in West Frankfort. She was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed reading. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Christina Cornille of Orient; four grandchildren, Angela Marie Cornille of Norristown, GA., Rebeccah Sandusky of Herrin, Amil Thomas Cornille, II of West Frankfort and Bradley Cornille of Christopher; five great grandchildren, Anthony Sandusky, Elizabeth, Olivia, Lillian and Amil Thomas Cornille, III; sister, Ruby Berchall of Sherryville, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Amil Thomas Cornille; sister, Lillian Ward. Private family graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Please join the family in honoring Geraldine Harriett Cornille by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: William Robert “Bill” Cavaness William Robert “Bill” Cavaness, 58, of Buckner, passed away at 12:43 a.m., Monday, December 28, 2009 at John Cochran Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Bill was born July 29, 1951 in Christopher to James and Ruth (Little) Cavaness. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Ann (Land) on March 16, 1974 in West Frankfort. Together they have shared 35 years of marriage. Bill was a welder by trade. He worked for Alpha Services in Marion for several years before his health began to fail. He also worked in management in the boating industry for over 20 years. He was a US Army veteran having served his country honorably with the Green Beret unit during the Vietnam War. While he was serving his country he had the opportunity to teach demolitions to his fellow soldiers. He was of the Christian faith. He loved being with his family and friends in the great outdoors hunting, fishing and camping. Survivors include his wife, Kathy of Buckner; a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Kris Cavaness of Thompsonville; two sisters, Mary Beth Kihs of Macedonia and Janie Cavaness of Benton; mother-in-law, Mary W. Land of Johnston City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Timothy and Rosalee Land of Crainville; brother-in-law, Mark Filkins and wife Mary of West Frankfort. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Robert Mitchell Land and a sister-in-law, Jacqueline Filkins. Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Military Rites will be accorded by the VFW Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147 of Marion. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Coach Kill Cancer fund. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Bill Cavaness by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Lois Marie Lappin Lois Marie Lappin, 46, of West Frankfort, passed away 6:20 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2009 at her residence with her family by her side. Lois was born February 18, 1963 in Benton to Randall Gordon and Erma Pauline (Callahan) Stewart. She married Michael J. Lappin on February 23, 1991 in West Frankfort. Together they have shared 18 years of marriage.  Lois was a homemaker and loved being a mother and raising her three daughters. She was a faithful member of Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in West Frankfort. Lois was always willing to give a helping hand at church. She had taught Sunday School, and also helped serve as youth leader for a period of time a few years ago. She also enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. Survivors include her husband Michael J. Lappin of West Frankfort; three daughters, Michelle, Melissa and Emily Lappin all of West Frankfort; mother, Erma Stewart o f West Frankfort; brother, Russell Stewart and wife Sherry of West Frankfort; sisters, Debbie Moore and husband Roger of Kirksville, MO., Paula Lundin and husband Jeff of Bakersfield, CA., Brenda Lawrence and husband Bryan of West Frankfort, RoseAnn Danley and husband John of Murphysboro; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Mary Kay Lappin of West Frankfort. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Roger Stewart. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Roger W. Moore officiating. Interment will follow at the Harmony Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Pyle Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harmony Freewill Baptist Church or to Tip Hospice. Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The family would like to thank Rick and Sherry Thompson, Dawn Hartwick and the Harmony Freewill Baptist Church for all the love and support that was given during Lois’ illness. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Audrey Adele Ritter Audrey Adele Ritter, of Johnston City, was called home to heaven on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 11:20 p.m. at Parkway Manor in Marion, with her steadfast sons at her side. Audrey was born October 20, 1920 to Lee and Reba (Bandy) Grant. She married the love of her life, Gilbert Ritter, October 7, 1938, and together they enjoyed 59 years of marriage before his death in November 1997. As the wife of a career military man, Audrey lived in many places around the world including Germany, France, Alaska, and all over the continental United States. It was a life that she loved and spoke of with enjoyment.  Audrey was always a caretaker at heart and worked performing various nursing duties before returning to college in her mid 50’s to earn her LPN. Audrey has two surviving sons; Bruce LeRoy Ritter; James Kimble and wife Brenda Ritter, all of Johnston City Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and their spouses. Denel (Ritter) and Jeff Morris of Herrin, Jennifer (Ritter) and Rich Pribble also of Herrin, Jarrod and Cindy Ritter of Marion, Brian and Gabrielle Ritter of St. Louis, Jeremy and Wendi Ritter of Goreville, and Joy Ritter of Herrin. Audrey had 9 great-grandchildren whom she loved and cherished. These include: Kyle, Taylor and Zoey Morris; Alyssa and Madison Pribble; and Haley, Abigial, Brent, and Kelley Jo Ritter. Other survivors include; a niece Daphne (Hindman) and husband Douglas Burr of Oklahoma, sister-in-law Reba Ritter of Marion, and multiple cousins, dear friends, and special neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, Daphne (Grant) Hindman, infant great grandson Joshua Ritter, and brother-in-law Rev. George Ritter. Audrey was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and “Mammy” to her family. She was the perfect combination of both strength and sensitivity. She was never afraid to say what she thought and she left her family with many memories of both her wit and wisdom. Most of all, however, she left us with the knowledge that she loves us “a bushel and a peck”. Our profound loss in indeed Heaven’s gain. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Melvin Finney officiating. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements Memorials may be made to the Coach Kill Cancer Fund. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Audrey A. Ritter by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Charles P. Upchurch Charles P. Upchurch, 82, of Herrin, passed away 8:00 a.m., Friday, December 18, 2009 at his home with his family by his side. Charles was born April 18, 1927 in Clifford, Illinois to Walter and Ethel (Casey) Upchurch. He married Mildred Annalee Atterberry on September 26, 1947 in Herrin. Together they have shared 62 years of marriage. Charles was retired from the Herrin Maytag Plant where he worked for 30 years as an inspector. He was a faithful member of the United Pentecostal Church in Johnston City. He was an avid gardener and specialized in growing tomatoes that he would sell at the farmer’s market in Herrin. He also enjoyed going fishing and running his beagle dogs. “Although Dad never preached a sermon from the pulpit, his legacy lives on through six children who are pastors and several grandchildren involved in the ministry. He also set a great example of how to love your wife.” Survivors include his wife, Mildred Upchurch of Herrin; six children and their spouses, Judy and Randy Swindle of Bloomington, Roy and Kathryn Upchurch of Effingham, Steve and Jennifer Upchurch of Centralia, Fay and Albert Suarez of Mesquite, TX., Joy and William Rutherford of Fort Worth, TX., Melody and Fred Albanito of Canton, IL.; seventeen grandchildren, Laura Agee and husband Bill of Heyworth, IL., Kent Swindle and wife Monica of Funks Grove, IL., Janet Hughes and husband Randall of Yukon, OK., Alisha Ambuhel and husband Todd of Salem, IL., William Upchurch and wife Tisha of Palm Harbor, FL., Heather Roesch and husband Jason of Benton, Kyle Upchurch of Benton, Zachary Brandt of Centralia, Ruben Suarez of Mesquite, TX., Kristen Hargrove and husband Jason of Ft. Worth, TX., Tiffany Rutherford of Ft. Worth, Tx.,  Kristen Douglas and husband Chad of Virginia Beach, VA., Katie Coskun and husband Murat of Peoria, IL., Victoria Albanito of Canton, IL.; sixteen great grandchildren,  two brothers, Walter Upchurch and wife Marie of Herrin, Kenny Upchurch of Johnston City; sister, Virginia Rossin and husband Bob of Herrin. Also, survived by several nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mildred Christian, Clara Burnett and Lillian Davis. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at Apostolic Faith United Pentecostal Church, 1101 W. 10th Street in Johnston City with Rev. Michael Glasco officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Monday at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City and from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Charles P. Upchurch by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Marie Steinmetz-Whittenberg Marie Steinmetz-Whittenberg, 88, of Herrin passed away at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Friendship Care Center in Herrin. Marie was born September 1, 1921 in Johnston City to Robert Vickrey and Monny Allen. She was first married to James “Honey” Steinmetz for 28 years. He preceded her death. She was then married to John Claussen for only ten months and he preceded her death.  She was later married to Jack Whittenberg for several years and he also preceded her in death. Marie was of the Christian faith and enjoyed attending church with her daughter-in-law. She loved to make people laugh and also enjoyed dancing.  Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Ruth Steinmetz of Herrin; three grandchildren, Cheryl Mayers of Johnston City, Bill Steinmetz of Herrin, Scott Steinmetz and wife Penny of Herrin; three great grandchildren, Casey Abbott and husband Gregg of Jackson, TN., Lauren and Halle Steinmetz of Herrin; one great great grandchild, Elijah David Abbott of Jackson, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, son, George Steinmetz, three brothers, James, Walter and Lloyd Allen. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2009 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Revs. David and Barbara Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Marie Steinmetz-Whittenberg by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Pamela “Pam” Lynn McKnight Pamela “Pam” Lynn McKnight, 54, of Johnston City, passed away peacefully with her family and lifetime friend by her side at 2:15 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2009 at Friendship Care Center in Herrin. Pam was born April 11, 1955 in Herrin to the Rev. Paul E. Roberts, Sr. and Margie Louise (Holloway). She married Robert “Bobby” L. McKnight, Jr. on September 15, 1972 at the Freewill Baptist Church in Johnston City. Together they have shared 37 of marriage. Pam was a 1973 graduate of Johnston City High School. Pam gave 13 years of service volunteering at the Veteran’s Hospital in Marion. She loved giving back to the men and women who gave so much for our country. Pam worked at Herrin Hospital as an Activity Director in the Skill Care Unit and also a door greeter at the hospital. Pamela was a very loving and giving person. She helped many children have Christmas and was always there for anyone who needed her. Survivors include her husband Bobby of Johnston City; two daughters, Mandi McKnight and partner Kelly Roth of Marion, Sarah Dipas and husband Cesar of South Amboy, NJ.; two grandchildren, Calvin and Valerie Lindner of South Amboy, NJ.. Calvin and Valerie were the shining stars in their MomMom’s life, as she was in theirs. She is also survived by two sisters, Janice and husband Rev. Jerry Lingle, Sr. of Johnston City, Sandra and husband Vic Hancock of Goreville; two brothers, Paul and wife Billie Roberts, Jr. of Johnston City, Philip and wife Michelle Roberts of Whiteash; brother-in-law, Paul McKnight of Metropolis; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert L. and June McKnight, Sr. of Herrin; eight nieces and nephews; eight great nieces and nephews; three special friends, Brenda Moake, Cricket Wright, Frieda Crick; special granddoggy, Cooter Lee of Marion. She was preceded in death by her parents, and great niece Jayla Lingle. Pam was loved and will be missed by many. In her short life she touched numerous lives and her memory will endure in the hearts of many. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rev. Donnie Colson officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Disabled American Veterans. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. Special thanks to Hospice, Friendship Care, Mulberry Center, St. Louis University, Dr. Parks and Dr. Guyton for the compassionate care that each of you provided to my wife and our mother.  Please join the family in honoring the memory of Pam McKnight by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!

IN MEMORY OF: Mary Jane Carroll Mary Jane Carroll, 54, of Johnston City, passed away at 8:24 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Union County Hospital in Anna. Mary Jane was born November 27, 1955 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois the daughter of Robert G. and Thelma Adell (Fellman) Simpson.  Mary Jane was a retired CNA and also helped in her father’s factories. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Johnston City. She was a 1974 graduate of Johnston City High School. She continued her education and graduated from John A. Logan College. She enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and loved playing games, especially Bingo. Her hobbies included creating art and crafts. She also looked forward when she would come home to visit her family of the long evenings they would spend together playing games such as Uno or Sorry and watching movies and playing video games. Survivors include her son, Norman Carroll of Norman, OK.; three grandsons, Robert Jay, Michael, and Jaime Carroll of Norman, OK.; two sisters, Bobbi Simpson of Johnston City, Debra Mitchem and husband James of Johnston City; two nephews, Roberts Counts of Lake of Egypt, Christopher Gruny of Johnston City; one niece Kimberlie Ward and husband Joel of Johnston City; one aunt, Berniece Fellman of West Frankfort. Also survived by several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Charles Ray Gruny and several aunts and uncles. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City with Rev. Ted A. Hartley officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. In accordance with Mary Jane’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Please join the family in honoring the memory of Mary Jane Carroll by posting your memories and tributes. Click here to leave a message for the family!