Cecile Stephens

Spread the love

May 19, 1939 – August 2, 2025

Cecile Stephens, 86, of Belton, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on August 2, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born on May 19, 1939, in Martinsville, Illinois, to the late Mervin Bennett and Lulu Bush Bennett.

Cecile was a devoted wife, committed mother, loving grandmother and cherished friend who dedicated her life to her family, friends and career. She had a great love for spending time with her husband and family, and enjoyed gardening, word puzzles, fishing, flea markets and craft shows.

Known for her strong work ethic, Cecile worked in the service industry, providing exceptional service to her clients and patients. After retiring from her house cleaning business in Hobe Sound, Florida, she moved to Belton, South Carolina, where she worked at Maples At Austin Place. She will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to her career and the significant impact she made on those she served.

Services

Funeral services will be held at Markwell Funeral Home in Casey, Illinois, on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Tom Marsh officiating. Burial will follow in Partlow Cemetery in rural Clark County, Illinois.

Visitation will be held Friday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, Illinois.

Survivors

Cecile is survived by three children: Debbie (Don) Daughtery, Michael (Dinah) Stephens and Monty (Cindy) Stephens; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Preceded in Death

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 68 years, Dale Stephens; her parents, Mervin and Lulu Bennett; sisters Lilly Remlinger, Suzie Hill, Ruby Cooley, Grace Bennett and Opel Bennett; and brothers Roy Bennett, Harry Bennett, Everett Bennett, Bill Bennett, Daniel Bennett and Leo Bennett.

Cecile will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will forever be remembered for her simple, unassuming nature and her profound impact on the lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to influence the people she loved so dearly for generations to come.

Memorial Information

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit https://www.markwellfuneralhome.com.

Markwell Funeral Home, Casey, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.

Latest News Stories

Pritzker says federal 'thuggery' prompted lawsuit; Trump says public wants Guard

Pritzker says federal ‘thuggery’ prompted lawsuit; Trump says public wants Guard

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The state of Illinois is suing President Donald Trump, cabinet officials and the U.S. Army for deploying...
Debate erupts over federal worker firings as shutdown looms

Debate erupts over federal worker firings as shutdown looms

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois congressman criticizes firing federal workers during a shutdown as unfair, while supporters say it’s...
Union sues Feds over claims of partisan automatic emails

Union sues Feds over claims of partisan automatic emails

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The nation's largest federal workers' union sued the Trump administration, accusing it of violating employees' free speech rights by rewriting their out-of-office emails to blame...
Police superintendent: Chicago cops will keep peace amid ICE protests

Police superintendent: Chicago cops will keep peace amid ICE protests

By Greg BishopThe Center Square Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said he’s going to review an “ICE-free zone” executive order issued Monday by Mayor Brandon Johnson, but police will assist...
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden draws progressive challenger in Maine

U.S. Rep. Jared Golden draws progressive challenger in Maine

By Chris WadeThe Center Square Democratic Rep. Jared Golden has drawn a primary challenger from the party's progressive wing, which could complicate Democrats' efforts to win back the House in...
Judge declines to immediately block Guard deployment in Illinois

Judge declines to immediately block Guard deployment in Illinois

By Dan McCalebThe Center Square A federal judge on Monday declined to immediately block President Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to address violence in the city....
WATCH: Judge blocks California National Guard in Portland

WATCH: Judge blocks California National Guard in Portland

By Dave MasonThe Center Square President Donald Trump, for now, can’t deploy 300 federalized California National Guard troops to Portland, Ore., under a temporary restraining order issued by a federal...
Shutdown having 'ripple effect' on U.S. airline systems, DOT says

Shutdown having ‘ripple effect’ on U.S. airline systems, DOT says

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The ongoing government shutdown is straining America’s airlines and air traffic controllers, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday, and the longer it drags on, the...
Maryland Supreme Court appears skeptical of climate change lawsuit

Maryland Supreme Court appears skeptical of climate change lawsuit

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Maryland Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical during oral arguments Monday in a lawsuit filed by three local governments against oil and gas companies over alleged...
Broadview limits 'aggressive' ICE protesters time; Chicago makes 'ICE free zone'

Broadview limits ‘aggressive’ ICE protesters time; Chicago makes ‘ICE free zone’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Designated protest times are being ordered by the mayor of Broadview, Illinois, after chaotic protests this past...
Trump set to talk trade with Canada in Tuesday meeting

Trump set to talk trade with Canada in Tuesday meeting

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump is set to talk trade with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday during a working meeting in Washington D.C. The two...
Illinois GOP backs student privacy complaint against ISU

Illinois GOP backs student privacy complaint against ISU

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Republicans are backing a former candidate, Desi Anderson’s, complaint to the U.S. Department of Education...
Illinois announces lawsuit against Trump admin for use of Guard

Illinois announces lawsuit against Trump admin for use of Guard

By Greg BishopThe Center Square The state of Illinois is seeking a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration for plans to deploy the Illinois and Texas National Guard to...
Illinois quick hits: Lawsuit filed over Guard deployment; 3 charged for using vehicles to impede ICE

Illinois quick hits: Lawsuit filed over Guard deployment; 3 charged for using vehicles to impede ICE

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Lawsuit filed over Guard deployment Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed a lawsuit challenging what he calls the Trump administration’s...
Negotiations continue in Israel-Hamas peace deal

Negotiations continue in Israel-Hamas peace deal

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Negotiating continues as the freedom of over 40 Israeli hostages lies on the line, a week after President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin...