All Obituaries

Ms. Onie Ruth Pickens Newell passed away Saturday morning, May 9, 2026 at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet, Illinois. She was born on November 12, 1925, in Newton, Mississippi to the late Charlie Pickens, Sr., and Nettie Pruitt Pickens. She attended N.H. Pilate Vocational School in Newton, MS. She pursued her passion and continued her education in Nursing, attending Mississippi Normal College of Hattiesburg, MS. She later moved to Joliet, IL, and for decades, worked as ...

Betty Pearl McKenzie was born on January 3, 1939, in Joliet, IL, the youngest of  twelve children born to Lucius Grant Sims and Malissa (Thigpen) Sims. She is predeceased by her parents, as well as siblings, Narvis, Harvis, James, Ada, Osbourne, Elmer, Delmar, Lester, Lucius Jr., Benny, and Patsy. After graduating from Joliet Township High School, Betty attended nursing school, then worked as a Registered Nurse at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. During that time, she met her ...

Larry Charles Dent was born March 31, 1945 to his parents Roena Dent and Lynn Charles Sharp until he gained his heavenly wings on May 6, 2026. Larry was a faithful and hardworking man and instilled in his children his famous quote, “You’ve got to go to work everyday regardless of the weather or personal health concerns.” A sentiment he undoubtedly developed during his service in the Army. He took pride in providing for his family. For as far as can be remembered Larry ...