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

CIA Casey in Action

Registration open now: ‘Pop On In’ to the 2025 CIA 5K Fun Run/Walk

Registration is open for Casey In Action’s annual KZ5K set for 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 with a larger than life route through downtown Casey featuring Big Things, including most...
Donald-Maxey-1750352075

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey, age 61, of Martinsville, IL, passed away at 1:51 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born December 1, 1963, in Terre...
Keith-Wattleworth-1750430743

Keith Richard Wattleworth

Keith Richard Wattleworth, a lifelong farmer and resident of Yale, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home of 56 years on June 18, 2025. He was 90 years old. Keith...
The Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on June 17, 2025, during the weekly meeting at Richards Farm. District Governor Mike Martin of Mattoon joined the group to present a certificate to President Marcy Mumford. The actual Charter Anniversary date was January 26, 1925. Present at Tuesday’s luncheon were (front, l to r) Marcy Mumford, Shane Todd, Sharon Durham, Joyce Shore, Megan Peavler, and Brian Hancock; (back) Chris Overbeck, Wendy Navel, Kurt Squires, Jay Markwell, Mike Martin, Gary Shore, and Aaron Stinson. Not present were Christopher Snedeker and John Murphy. —photo by Chuck Ayres.

Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary

The Casey Rotary Club celebrated its 100th Anniversary on June 17, 2025, during the weekly meeting at Richards Farm. District Governor Mike Martin of Mattoon joined the group to present...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Utility Rate Increases, Joins Regional Land Bank Authority

Casey residents will see increases in water, sewer and electric rates following Monday's City Council meeting, as the city works to address ongoing budget challenges in its utility departments. The...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Considers Hotel Feasibility Study to Attract Development

Casey may commission a $15,000 hotel market feasibility study as the city explores bringing new lodging options to the community. Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee presented the proposal to the...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey City Council Meeting Briefs

Freedom Fest Planning Underway: Casey's Freedom Fest is scheduled for July 4-5 with events in Fairview Park. Friday's schedule includes an antique tractor pull at 10 a.m. and Saturday features...
City Council Part 1

City Council Meeting Video Part 1

https://youtu.be/bWEJPtq8Qh0?si=YzFeP3sk_tT3x111
City Council Part 2

City Council Meeting Video Part 2

https://youtu.be/6X23vHI3_D4?si=dXRZcsNn0oGW6wWN
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.3

Casey-Westfield Dominates Dakota 10-0 Behind Goble’s Complete Game Shutout

Casey-Westfield bounced back from a heartbreaking semifinal loss with a dominant 10-0 third-place victory over Dakota June 7th, ending their exceptional season on a high note behind Ava Goble's complete...

About Casey Local

Community-Focused & Engaging About Casey Local: Keeping Casey Informed, Connected & Collaborative! Hello, Casey! Casey Local is your dedicated local news and information source, built to bring our community closer together...

About Us!

About Casey's Big Things: Your Pocket Guide to Casey! Welcome to Casey, Illinois, the small town with BIG surprises! We created Casey's Big Things to be your ultimate companion as you explore...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Approves Major Park Recreation Project, Hires Firm to Find New Utilities Chief

The Casey City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive park recreation project costing up to $339,041.78 at Monday's meeting, moving forward with improvements that will enhance the city's recreational facilities. City...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey in Action Secures $40,000 Grant for Park Walking Path

Casey in Action received a $40,000 grant from the Lumpkin Foundation to support the second phase of a walking path project in the city park, representatives told the City Council...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

Casey Council Briefs

Economic Development Initiatives: The Economic Development Committee met May 8 to discuss several initiatives including a Tourism Director position, Freedom Fest planning, a Business District Grant program, and participation in...