Marie Smith

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Melissa “Marie” Smith, age 67, of West City, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by her daughter Amanda, grandchildren: Lilly, Lyle, Landon, Lexis, and her boyfriend Pete. Marie battled cancer for eight years before it took her home to Heaven.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved her grandchildren so much.

Marie loved to be outside with her grandchildren. She loved planting flowers, gardening, going to yard sales, traveling, and McDonald’s Sweet Tea.  

Melissa Marie Smith was born on November 30, 1957, the daughter of Herbert Smith and Geneva (Zalenski) Smith.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving is her loving daughter Amanda Smith of West City, IL, four grandchildren: Lilly Marie Slack, Lyle Dale Slack, Landon Devo Slack, and Lexis Geneva Shepard; her boyfriend Willard “Pete” Parker of West City, IL, two brothers: Robert E. Hines and wife Karen of Benton, IL, Bobby Wood and wife Melody of Ortonville, MI; three sisters: Jo Ann Stewart of Mt. Vernon, IL, Gloria Overturf and husband George of Benton, IL, Marsha Kay Eubanks of Benton, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life Billy Devo Millikan, Jr., her parents and an infant sister.

Marie’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at12:00 noon Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Leffler Funeral Home.

To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Marie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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