DaVenia Jean Flagg, affectionately known as "DJ," transitioned from labor to reward on August 6, 2026, at her home in Centralia, Illinois. Born on July 15, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Veronica Ann (Flagg) Smith and Tommie K. Smith, DJ was an amazing mother, sister, niece, daughter, cousin, and friend whose untimely passing has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. A lifelong resident of Centralia, DJ was truly one of a kind. She professed Christ at a...

Chris M. Hammond, aged 46, of Carlyle, passed away at his home on Monday, August 3, 2026. Born on November 9, 1979, in Greenville, IL, he was the beloved son of Carlos Hammond, Jr. and Denise Linton. Chris leaves behind his cherished sons, Chase and Ryker Hammond; his loving parents, Denise Linton Hammond and Carlos "JR" Hammond and Penny. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, including Don "Bone" Linton and his wife Darlene, Carla Sue Elam and her husband Greg, Ray...

David Louis Sledge, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, July 29, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare of Flora, following a long journey with Alzheimer's disease. His loving wife was by his side, along with his sister-in-law, Tammy Dulaney, brother-in-law, Tony Dulaney, and Axiom employee and special friend, Jamie West, all offering their care and support. He was born July 18, 1946, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Dee L. and Betty (Tate) Sledge. He was united in marriage to...

Dorothy Mae Leek, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on Tuesday, May 31st, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Ira Vincent Sturgeon, Sr. and Anna Mae (Larant) Sturgeon. Dorothy married Bill Leek, Sr. on May 29, 1949 and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2019. Dorothy was a devoted member of the Crossroads Church in Centralia, where she found comfort, community, and purpose. Her talent f...

Georgiann Fulton, age 82, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Voyage Senior Living in Marion. She was born on February 3, 1944, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbur and Dorothea (Wilts) Johnson. On March 27, 1965, Georgiann married Charles Dwight Fulton in Hoyleton, Illinois. They shared many years of marriage until his passing. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and farming. A devoted farm wife throughout her life, Georgiann foun...

Robert Allen Young, age 88, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Clay County Hospital in Flora, Illinois. He was born on July 8, 1938, in Raccoon Township, Illinois, the son of Paul L. Young and Louise (Lee) Young. When Robert was two years old, his family moved to Xenia, where he spent the remainder of his life. He graduated from Flora High School with the Class of 1957. On June 18, 1992, Robert married Rachelanne Keller in Carlyle, Illinois. Together they shared man...

William Eugene Fowler, 85, of Salem passed away on July 26th, 2026. He was born May 23rd, 1941, in Manhattan, New York to William Sr. and Loretta (Martin) Fowler. He was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem. At the age of 17, William joined the Navy and would serve 6 years, then at the age of 27 he would join and serve in the Marines during Vietnam. He was a member of Salem American Legion Post 128. He retired from NAL, where he was an operator. ...

Kinsley Ann Pate, beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and light in the lives of all who knew her, was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on a blessed Sunday, February 26, 2023, the daughter of Mathias Pate and Ashton Hutton. With deep sorrow, her family shares that she passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the tender age of three. Kinsley's radiant spirit and boundless energy were apparent to everyone she encountered. She was a wild spirit, fierce and outgoing, who lived her l...