Obituaries

   Harold E. Pennington, Sr., 89, of Carmi passed away Friday, February 2, 2024 at Ferrell Hospital in Eldorado, IL.  He was born in Mt. Vernon, IN on December 11, 1934 the son of Acie Lee and Essie Mae (Holland) Pennington.  Harold faithfully served his country as a part of the United States Navy Seabees. He served 6 years of active duty and 27 years in the Reserves.  He was a farmer, raising cattle and cutting hay along with working as a mechanic at Bill's Garage.  Harold was also a member of the Carmi Fire Department where he had served as Fire Chief.  He was also a Deputy Sheriff for the White County Sheriff's Department.

Cheryle Leigh Walters, 62, of Norris City, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on June 28, 1961, in LaGrange, Illinois, the daughter of William Vonnell and Barbara Joyce (Morris) Long. Cheryle married Donald Rand Walters on July 18, 1982, and he survives. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Norris City. Cheryle was a part of the Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief team, where she participated in many disaster efforts by cooking meals for those who had been displaced. She also was part of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Norris City, at the First Baptist Church.

  Samuel Lee Jenny, II, 66, of Carmi, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. He was born on May 6, 1957, St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Samuel Lee Jenny and Carol Lee (Langenwalter) Bell. Sam married Cheryl Lynn Woolsey on October 17, 1998, and she survives. He worked as a pumper in the oilfield along with owning and operating Two Cycle and Tool Repair, and was a Stihl dealer. Sam enjoyed working in his machine shop and was an avid military enthusiast.

Virginia Irene (Prince) Swafford, 99, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Silver Foxes Senior Living & Rehabilitation in McLeansboro.  Virginia was born June 28, 1924 in Blairsville, IL to Cecil & Louise (Helms) Prince.  On September 6, 1940 she married Matthew Swafford, who preceded her in death.

Estell Hunter, age 89 and a resident of McLeansboro, IL, passed away at Hamilton Memorial Hospital, McLeansboro, IL on Friday , January 26th, 2024. She was a cherished wife, sister, Mom, Mamaw, Maw, friend to many & lifelong devoted servant of the Lord. Estell was born February 17, 1934 in Sneedville, TN to William Moles & Nellie (Barnard ) Moles and was the 3rd of 7 children. Her family emigrated north from Appalachia to the family farm near Delafield when she was 3. Her parents instilled their hard working, God fearing spirit in their family. They had very little but each other, but with determination and the Lord's blessings, they created much & the farm they toiled to establish remains in the family to this day.

Dorla Jean (Farris) Swallows, 91, of Blairsville, IL passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at her home.  She was born on April 10, 1932 to William Farris & Lula Mae (Vaughn) Farris in the Bottoms of Hall Creek near Blairsville.  On June 13, 1953 she married George Swallows, who survives.

Laura Katherine “Katie” Whipple, age 90, of Belle Rive, IL passed away at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Ronald Albert “Ron” Deen, 71, of Dale, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Ron was born January 6, 1953 in Eldorado, IL to Hugh & Alice (Davis) Deen.  On August 15, 1977 he married Lois (Ritchason) Deen, who preceded him in death on September 24, 2018.

Heaven get ready because here she comes. Momma (and God), finally decided Beverly Miller had taught us all she could and some of us weren’t gonna listen anyway. Residents of heaven be prepared, first you will be rearranging furniture. Then you will need to Spring clean from top to bottom. Lastly, (probably not last by a long shot) cook for so many people you’re gonna eat for a week. Be ready to shape up or ship out. She was working on the Staff at Wabash Christian Villages when she received her invitation to Heaven.

Teddy Franklin Gwaltney, 91, of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehab in Carmi. He was born on August 26, 1932, in Mill Shoals, Illinois, the son of Paul and Gertrude (Jordan) Gwaltney. Teddy married Lois A. Seal on May 10, 1956, and she preceded him in death on April 26. 2022. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Teddy was a truck driver and worked for Roundy's in Eldorado. He attended Stewart Street Baptist Church. He spent a lot of time training bird dogs, and loved hunting.