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

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

WATCH: States sue over funds; DHS responds to critics; Fed responds to investigation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares recent comments...
Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Child care funding unfozen Federal child care and welfare dollars for Illinois and four other states are unfrozen after a U.S....
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.22 PM

Council Approves Police Union Agreement; Officer Moved to Full-Time

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council finalized a memorandum of agreement with the police union and officially elevated...
Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

Chicago Flips Red calls for audit after public schools report

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A grassroots Chicago group is calling for a forensic audit of the city’s entire public school system...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for November 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to address infrastructure improvements, financial planning, and...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 2.00.15 PM

Casey Prepares for ‘America 250’ and Founders Day Parade

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: Local organizers presented ambitious plans for the upcoming Founders Day and America 250 celebrations, including...
Lake Land College.6

Foundation Announces Major Estate Gift; Board Accepts Workforce Grants

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Lake Land College Foundation received a significant estate gift to support Mattoon students, while the board accepted...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 1.59.59 PM

Council Updates Security Light Fees; Installation Cost Set at $350

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The City Council approved a new fee structure for private security lights installed on city...
Rotary Patty Richards

Patty Richards Guest Speaker at Rotary

Patty Richards (right) was the guest of Rotarian Marcy Mumford (left) at Tuesday’s weekly Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm, discussing the Quincentennial--250 years celebration. The local theme will incorporate...
Screenshot 2026-01-06 at 1.59.48 PM

Casey Council Bans New Private Water Wells City-Wide

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting the installation or use of...
lake land college.1

College Offers Temporary Kitchen Lease to Deb’s Catering Following Fire

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: To support a local business and community services after a fire, the board approved a temporary lease allowing...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Clark County Board for November 2025

Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 The Clark County Board met on Friday, November 21, 2025, to finalize the county's financial plans for the upcoming year. The primary...
Clark County Graphic.6

County Highway Department Secures Funding for Hogue Town Project, Completes Building Upgrades

Clark County Board Regular Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: County Engineer Dallas Richardson reported on the approval of state funding for road work, the completion of a new facility,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for December 15, 2025

Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 The Casey City Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, marking the final session for retiring Utility Superintendent...
lake land college.3

Board Reviews Proposed Tax Levy with Slight Increase Expected

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: Lake Land College administrators presented a proposed aggregate tax levy for 2025 that includes a marginal increase over...