Bertha A. “Bert” MorrisNorris City, IL
Bertha A. "Bert" Morris, 91, of Norris City, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. She was born on August 5,1932, in Hamilton County, IL the daughter of Robert Newton and Bertha Agnes (Hughes) Edwards. Bert married Francis E. "F.E." Morris on April 8, 1947 and he preceded her in death on April 4, 2012. Bert was a lifelong member of Village Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she was very active and served as an elder. She enjoyed watching her daytime soap operas and Gunsmoke, as well as collecting antiques and costume jewelry. Bert loved taking care of her kids and grandchildren and was a friend to everyone.
Paul Albert ColesCorsicana, TX
Paul Albert Coles passed away on June 23, 2023, at age 87, of heart failure. He had been a long-time resident of Corsicana, Texas, and of Dallas, Texas before that.
Coles was born on June 20, 1936, in Carmi, Illinois, the second child and only son of Henry Paul Coles and Ethel Frances Coles (nee Etienne). He had a happy childhood in small-town America, working as a paperboy during the week, and serving as an altar boy in the Catholic Church on Sundays. He graduated from City High in Carmi, and soon joined the Navy, following the path of his father, who served in the Navy during WWI. Coles served in the military during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged. He leveraged his education in the military to obtain a career in the aerospace industry, eventually working on the foremost projects of the 20th century, including the Apollo Space Missions, which he supported while living in Huntsville, Alabama. Coles married and raised three sons in Arlington, Texas, serving as a leader in the Boy Scouts, as he encouraged his sons in Scouts, two of which became Eagle Scouts. In retirement, Coles moved to Corsicana, Texas, to be near family. He kept busy researching his family tree, as well as visiting with family and friends. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
Sue Ellen (Stallings) SullivanMcLeansboro, IL
Sue Ellen (Stallings) Sullivan, 66, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023 at her home. Sue was born February 5th, 1957 to Ernest & Mary (Scott) Stallings.
Rita Ann AsberryCarmi, IL
Rita Ann Asberry, 72 of Carmi, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. She was born on May 2, 1951, in Carmi, IL the daughter of Robert Norman and Opal Pearl (Banks) Anselment. Rita was retired having previously worked in healthcare as a CNA. She enjoyed sewing, crafting and social media. Most of all Rita loved her family, friends and her pets.
Grace Marie Shook
Grace Marie Shook departed to her Heavenly home at 5:03 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023 surrounded by her family. Grace was born October 9, 1918 to Ernest and Lydia (Winter) Miller of Carmi. Grace graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1936. She eloped and married Howard Shook on September 6, 1941. She studied business, learning shorthand and typing skills, while still in high school. She worked as a secretary at the law firm of Kern, Pierce, and Pierce, where she was soon told she was capable of much more. Mr. Kern took her to The National Bank in Carmi. Grace was hired as a cashier, eventually earning the title of Vice President during a time when women were often overlooked for such positions. She worked at the bank for 50 years. Grace also served as a director for White County Memorial Gardens for many years. Over the years, Grace faithfully served her church, Carmi Emmanuel Church, in many capacities, including writing countless Sunday School lessons, filling the position of Treasurer of the church, serving in the United Methodist Women since she was in high school, even at the state level, and singing alto in the choir.
Gary Lee WhitleyCarmi, IL
Gary Lee Whitley, 74, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023. He was born on April 5, 1949, in White County, the son of Glenn and Alice (Chapman) Whitley. Gary married Charlene Cleveland on July 16, 1977, and she survives. He graduated from Carmi Township High School in 1967. Gary worked in collections and later as a loan officer at The National Bank which later was Old National Bank in Carmi. He also worked in construction with his brother Jim Whitley. Gary was a member of the Elks in Carmi. He enjoyed tinkering, fixing things, golf cart riding and gardening. He was especially proud of his 200 pound pumpkin. Gary loved spending time with family and friends and enjoyed spending time with and watching his grandkids play sports.
Betty Sue HowardChesterfield, MO
Betty Sue Howard, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Chesterfield, MO on September 2, 2023.
Betty Sue was born on June 30, 1929 in Carmi, IL, the daughter of Preston and Verla Coale. She graduated from Carmi High School. She started playing tennis as a teenager and played on a dirt court at her church with a pastor, her sister Mary Lou, and others. It was not uncommon for her to play for many hours each day.
Phyllis Jean (Pemberton) GreerEvansville, IN
Phyllis Jean Pemberton Greer, Age 94 of Evansville, IN, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at River Pointe Health Campus. She was born on June 2, 1929, in McLeansboro, IL, the daughter of Russell and Lula Mae (Elder) Pemberton. She married the love of her life, Charles Edward Greer on March 28, 1948 and he preceded her in death on October 12, 2006.
Claudine SellNorris City, IL
Claudine Sell, 89, of Norris City passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, IL. She was born in Brownsville, IL on April 23, 1934 the daughter of Claud Dee and Nellie (Storey) Shaw. Claudine married Aaron Eugene "Gene" Sell on April 18, 1954 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 2007. She had worked as a bank teller prior to starting her family, when she became a farm wife. Claudine was a member of Wesley Chapel. She enjoyed gardening, sewing and cooking.
Daphne Ellene (James) Fulkerson BartleyNorris City, IL
Daphne Ellene (James) Fulkerson Bartley, 91, passed into glory Saturday, September 2, 2023. Daphne was born to Emeart and Donna (Frymire) James on January 28, 1932. Daphne lived most of her life in the Norris City and Carmi area. She wed Doyle Fulkerson and together they were blessed with three children. They were wed until his young death at age 47, December 31, 1975. In 1981, Daphne married Donald Bartley and they were wed until his death, December 28, 2008. Daphne worked many years at the Ainsbrook Garment Factory and underground for Amax Coal Company Keensburg from which she retired.