O'Brien, Bessie C.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: OBRI.B001
• _FGRAVE: 172931920

Family/Spouse: Brown, Oakley L.. Oakley was born on 8 Jun 1919; died on 27 Jul 2002; was buried in Powers Cemetery, Garden Hill Township, Wayne County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.V001
• _FGRAVE: 215134544
• Funeral: 6 Sep 2020, Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, Clay County, Illinois

Notes:

She took great pleasure in cooking marvelous meals for all of them especially at the holidays at which time she festively decorated her home as well as the homes of others. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout the years such as designing and sewing western shirts, buying and selling antiques, setting up at the flea markets, creating flower arrangements, going to rummage sales, and most of all, gardening. It is an understatement to say she had a green thumb because she could grow anything, anywhere. Throughout the years, Vera created her own beautiful garden and had every flower imaginable, but she especially loved her day lilies of which she had all kinds. One of her proudest moments was when her friend, Jason Delaney from the Missouri Botanical Gardens created a hybrid lily and named it the “Vera Denton.”

She was truly a remarkable woman who could do anything she set her mind to do. To describe her as a hard-working, strong, independent woman is putting it mildly. She had a heart for Jesus and served him faithfully for many, many years. She was very instrumental in multiple fundraisers held by her church and sold many chicken and noodle dinners made by her own precious hands. Vera was an avid Trump supporter and was deeply patriotic. She is a beautiful soul loved so much by so many and will be deeply missed, however, Heaven is rejoicing and so is her lifelong soulmate as they are now reunited eternally.

Vera married Denton, Joe Ben on 2 Jun 1959. Joe (son of Denton, Benjamin Benrus 'Ben' and Carlyle, Magnola 'Nola') was born on 25 Jul 1937; died on 27 Mar 2017 in Clay City, Clay County, Illinois; was buried on 31 Mar 2017 in Powers Cemetery, Garden Hill Township, Wayne County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.J028
• _FGRAVE: 149410410

Notes:

During her working years, Janice was employed at International Shoe Company, Sparton Manufacturing, and the Advocate Press, and was a member of the Flora Assembly of God for over 20 years. Janice was blessed with a special “golden touch” for gardening and growing beautiful flowers and plants, and she will be remembered for her everlasting love for her family.

Janice married Workman, L.A. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: BROW.L006

Family/Spouse: Morkin, T.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: DENT.J002
• Funeral: 18 Jun 2024

Notes:

On June 12, surrounded by his loving family, Joel “Joey” Duane Denton, 64, lifted his final weight on this Earth as he passed on to become a powerhouse in Heaven.

Joey was born June 3, 1960, in Flora, the son of Joe and Vera (Brown) Denton. As soon as he opened his beautiful blue eyes, he began his love affair with speed and adventure. Whether racing the wind on his Harley Davidson or enjoying one of the many hotrods he had owned throughout his lifetime, he lived life fiercely. With his wide smile as bright as the chrome on his bike, his need for speed was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends who will deeply miss his one-of-a-kind stories, exceptional character, and infectious laughter.

Joey was a pillar of strength and inspiration in the powerlifting community. His unwavering dedication to his craft and his courageous spirit inspired countless individuals to push beyond their limits and find some solace in the “iron.” His impressive feats in squat, bench, and deadlift were a testament to his unyielding spirit and his ability to lift up others. He was very proud to be a 3-time National Powerlifting Champion and was voted Athlete of the Year in Dallas, Texas. Joey’s legacy extends far beyond his phenomenal lifts, as he was a shining example of what it means to live a life of passion. As Joey enters the gates of Heaven, we take comfort in knowing he continues to lift spirits and inspire souls. His strength and power will never be forgotten, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

Memories of his childhood spent swimming at Poppy’s Bluff and roaming the countryside on his motorcycle will forever be in our hearts. Joey was an excellent pool player, an amazingly talented poet, and excelled at most everything he did. He was a bit of a perfectionist who kept his home, yard, and cars immaculate, but above all he deeply cared for his beautiful wife, Holly. They were married on October 12, 2016, and they have shared so much love in those few short years.

Joey was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved making memories with each one. When the only grand “boy” came along, he was very honored to have a namesake.

He is survived by his wife: Holly Denton; children: Rachel (Shane) Walker and Benjamin Denton, both of Flora; stepchildren: Joseph Haun and family of Jerseyville and Aaron McCaherty and family of Clay City; grandchildren: Kamry Austin, Dani Denton, Eli Joel Walker, and Harper Denton; sisters: Tammy (Kevin) Foster of Olney, and Kelly Denton of Effingham; mother and father-in-law: William E. and Mayme Matthis Sr. of Godfrey; brothers and sisters-in-law: William E. (Charlotte) Matthis Jr. and family of Grafton, Gina (Steve) Scott and family of East Alton, David Ashmore of Alabama, Ryan (Angelique) Hicks and family of Columbia, and Heidi (Pete) Graves and family of Godfrey; an aunt: Dixie Young of Xenia; an uncle Larry Workman of Flora; special extended family: Stevi and Josh Brinkley and family and Smitty and Mable Smith; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew: Schyler Monical; mother-in-law: Bonita Johnston; and his beloved uncle: Henry Brown.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Interment will follow in Powers Cemetery, Xenia. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Hospice or Beyond the Walls, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.

Family/Spouse: ?, H.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Monical, R.K.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Foster, K.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Hostettler, A.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ?, E.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: MONI.S002
• _FGRAVE: 147004086

Notes:

He was hard working, dedicating himself to management positions in restaurants and retail. Schyler was spirited, outgoing, and friendly, and never met a stranger. He enjoyed playing cards in his free time.