All Obituaries

Tamesha Michelle Knox was born January 10, 1979 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Audrey J. Knox and Ernest Knox.  Tamesha received her education in the Southfield Public School System in Southfield, Michigan where she graduated.  Tamesha accepted Christ at a young age. She attended New Prospect Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan with her grandmother Hattie Elizabeth Knox whom she loved and cherished dearly. Her grandmother was her spiritual...

Sylvester “June” Pelmore was born on February 12, 1948, in Champaign, IL, to Sylvester Sr. and Anniebell Williams-Pelmore. Sylvester graduated from Urbana High School in 1966. He retired from the University of Illinois as a plumber and was among the first African American men to enter the Plumbers apprenticeship program. He was a UA Local 149 Plumbers & Pipefitters member for 50 years. Sylvester “June” was a Morning Star Freewill Church member as a...

In Loving Memory of Larry Hayworth Thomas, Sr Larry Hayworth Thomas, Sr., a cherished husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, brother, and beloved member of the Georgetown, Illinois community, passed away on September 14, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born on November 19, 1941, to Andrew and Lorene Thomas in Georgetown, where he spent most of his life. Larry attended Georgetown High School where he played football, basketball, and track, graduating in 1960. Larry dedicated his working...

Paul Edward Smith Sr. of Danville, IL, transitioned from this life at 9:15 p.m. Tuesday September 12, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Paul was born on July 18, 1928 to Selie Smith and Christine Meeks in Mounds, IL. Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Army from October 17, 1946 to March 6, 1948, receiving a honorable discharge.  Paul worked many jobs; Granite City Steel, Edwards Creamery Brick Yard, Illinois Bell, a truck driver, pallet business and retired from Pontiac...

Our beloved Turquois Unique Mercedes Jenkins was born on October 9, 1991, to the proud parents of the late Clifford Jerome Jenkins and Denitra Lechelle Brown in Champaign, IL. She was affectionately known as “Our Butterfly”. A beautiful soul who appreciated all her family and friends unconditionally.  Turquois graduated from Champaign Centennial High School on May 25, 2010, and later received her Certified Nurse’s Assistant Certificate from the Urbana Adult...

Kimberly Anatrice Catchings was born August 14, 1970 in Crystal Springs, MS, to Francine Catchings and Herman Wheeler. Kim confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Church under the leadership of Reverend W.B. Keaton. Kim’s life though short to those of us left behind, was fulfilled in her relationship with Christ and those of us left behind were blessed by her existence and personality. She was strong and resilient in many aspects of her life. Not a day...

Victor Maurice Campbell or as he was affectionately known as “Reece” was born on February 27, 1962, to the union of Catherine and Eddie J. Campbell Jr. in Champaign, Illinois. At a young age, Victor accepted Christ as his lord and personal savior. At that time, he joined Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. W.B. Keaton where he was a faithful Sunday School and Choir Member and he also served on...

Beatrice Frances (Quarles) Buford of Danville, Illinois transitioned this life on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 8:56 am surrounded by her loved ones.  She had just celebrated her 92nd birthday. Beatrice was born on August 1, 1931, in Kellyville (Westville), Illinois to Charles Quarles Sr. and Viola V. (Martin) Quarles. Beatrice was married to Charles Lucas, John T. White, and Edward Buford.  They all preceded her in death. She attended Danville Schools, worked at Chanute Air...

U.T. Smith was born on June 12, 1966 to Rosie Lee Smith and M.B. Smith Sr. in Hollandale, Mississippi. U.T. lived in Champaign where he resided for most of his life. He attended Champaign Central High School and upon graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force in Spokane, Washington. Returning home from the Air Force, U.T. worked at a local Cham- paign, Illinois Company. He also worked as a custodian. He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Brandon Smith of...

Corey D. Lappin, 30, of Danville, IL passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday August 22nd, 2023 at 4:24 p.m. Corey was born in Danville, IL at Lakeview Hospital on March 21st, 1993 to Jennifer Lappin and AB Taylor III. Corey graduated from Danville High School in 2011 and was hired at Watch Fire in 2013 as a Sign Worker and later became a welder. He maintained employment there until his passing. Corey fell in love with his childhood sweetheart, Te’Erika and was married on January 1st,...