Ophelia Jeter, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, at the age of 91. She was born on Thursday, March 23rd, 1933, in Gates, Tennessee, and lived a full and vibrant life. Ophelia took great pride in her family and is survived by her loving children, Mildred Burns of Phoenix, AZ, Elder Joseph Burns and wife Cathy, of Mt. Vernon, IL, Earice Burns and wife, Necia, of C...

Narrah W. McCoy, 98, of Mt. Vernon, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at his home. He was born March 13, 1926, in Mt. Vernon, the son of John and Eula (Garrison) McCoy-Brown. On January 27, 1952, in Mt. Vernon, he married Hazella Thompson, and she survives in Mt. Vernon. Mr. McCoy was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in both World War II and Korea. He was very family-oriented, quick to listen but slow to speak, and was always full of wisdom and good advice. He was very...

Delores Hodge, 85, of Centralia, passed away Monday, December 16, 2024, at SLU Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was born in Odin, Illinois on September 17, 1939 to Cecil Kirgan and Ruby Fern (Reynolds) Kirgan. On August 30, 1957, she married Kenneth Hodge Sr. and he preceded her in death in 1979. Survivors include her children, Jeff (Cheryl) Hodge of Georgia, Rick (Debbie) Hodge of Centralia and Kenneth (Virginia) Hodge, Jr. also of Centralia; siblings, Hazel (Robert) Osborne of Texas and Keith...

Kim Von Davis, age 65 of Louisville, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Barnhill Township. Kim was born on October 28, 1959, in Denver City, Texas the daughter of Kenneth D. Molthan and Janie Todd. She is survived by her two sons, Andy VanAusdall and wife Tara of Flora and Ryan Harper of East Carondelet; sister, Becky Donle,y and husband Mike; brother, Mike Todd and wife Monica; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Ja...

Mike L. Bartley, age 68 of Salem, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Salem Township Hospital with his family by his side. He was born on February 5, 1956, in Salem, the son of Charlotte (Cox) and Paul Bartley. He married the love of his life, Lisa Herman on August 18, 1989, in Paducah, Kentucky, and together they have built a loving family. Mike is survived by his wife, Lisa Bartley; sons, Anthony Bartley (Alannah) and Michael Bartley; daughter, Christina Bartley; grandsons, Waylo...

Ralph "Gene" Eugene Reynolds, born November 16, 1932, in Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the age of 92 at the HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, Illinois. Gene lived a long and fulfilling life, characterized by dedication to his family, community, and his passions. Gene spent 25 years as a purchasing agent for Peerless Premier, where his work ethic and commitment were highly valued. His true passions, however, were beyond his pr...

Ferris Orange III was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, and Pastor. He was born October 22, 1959, in Lafayette, Indiana to Ferris Orange II and Mary (Cozad) Lawrence. He graduated at Mount Vernon Township High School in 1978. He began serving in the ministry at New Covenant Church, in Centralia IL. alongside Apostle Henry L. Dabney, where he served as the assistant Pastor in 1993. He was also well-known as the store manager at RENT ONE during the same time frame. In 1999, he opened ...

David R. Cripps 55 of Forsyth GA, formally from Effingham and Salem IL passed away December 9, 2024, at home with family by his side. Memorial Services will be held at Anchor Baptist Church in Warner Robins GA Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM and at Southside Baptist Church in Effingham, IL on Friday, December 20th at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour before the service. Memorials can be made to the Effingham Humane Society or the Effingham Performance Center. Dave was born September ...