Cecile Stephens
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
Report paints dismal picture of California’s jobs market
Report: U.S. added $1.2 trillion to national debt in six months
Illinois House pushes through bill restricting ICE detention centers in state
Cheaper gas could take time amid tentative ceasefire
Trump says military remains in place as talks with Iran set to begin
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-nonprofit exec sentenced for state, federal grant fraud
Lawmaker calls for department reform supporting Illinois families with disabled children
Lawyers’ ‘misleading statements’ hang cloud over college finaid class action
Casey City Council Approves Over $175,000 in Potential Matches for Downtown Business Redevelopment
Ceasefire impact holds across markets despite varying reports on the Strait of Hormuz
SEC chairman returns ”first principles’ to public markets, supports Texas exchange
Complaint filed against AMA Foundation for racially discriminatory scholarships