Violet Benz

Herrin- VIOLET LEE DOLLY BENZ, age 86, of Herrin, passed away at 1:33pm on Monday, June 18, 2007 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin, while surrounded by her loving family. Violet was born in Herrin on June 1, 1921, the daughter of William Fred and Maudie (Erwin) Damron. She married Johnnie H. Benz of Carbondale on January 18, 1942 in St. Charles, MO. He preceded her in death on June 14, 1989. Mrs. Benz was member of the West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin. She was a housewife and loving mother. Known to her friends on the CB radio as Dolly, she sold home grown fruits and vegetables each year at her home. Survivors include- Daughter and son-in-law- Billie Benz Huff and Jack of Herrin, IL Brother and sister-in-law- William L. and Dorothy Damron of Robinson, IL Brother and sister-in-law- Williard and Barbara Benz of Murphysboro, IL Special friend like sister- Wanda Colp of Kansas Step Sister- Ruth McDowell of Royalton, IL Two dear young men like grandsons- Jeremiah Huff of Princeton, IN Jamal Oxford of Harrisburg, IL Nieces- Patsy Brandon, Betty Ann Dugger, Cindy Miller, Fay Jo Vean, Christine McVey, Carolyn Brandon Lane, Margaret Ann Agner, Wanda Brandon, Betty Lou Saddler, Lillie Maude Brandon, Brenda Kornemann, Ruth Ann Berolatti, Sharon Turner, and Lisa Regenberg Nephews- Billy F. Damron, Richard Brandon, Gary Brandon, Arthur Brandon, Robby Benz, Dale Benz, Randy Benz, Vernon Ray Benz, and Danny Benz And a host of friends and other family members Violet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband- Johnnie, her sister- Genevieve Brandon and her step-sister- Lena Robinson. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Violets caregivers at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center and her endearing friends Blondie and Jane Jones. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at West Monroe Apostolic Church in Herrin with Rev. Terry Griffith and Rev. Don Colson officiating. Burial will follow at Blairsville Cemetery. Bill F. Damron, Billy Damron, Jr., Louis Berolatti, Arthur Brandon, David Null, and Richard Pearce will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 5-9pm on Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; Herrin, IL 62948. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com