Symantha Jane Risley

Symantha Jane (Sam) Risley, 76, of Benton; died at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2012 in the Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bernadine Caldwell officiating. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Risley was born on June 25, 1935 in Carbondale, the daughter of Glen and Lillian Hayse. She married Billie Risley and he survives.

While living in Chicago, Sam was a drummer in a band from 1952 until 1971. She loved to cook and go to jam sessions. She also enjoyed the many friendships made while visiting and eating at Hardees on Saturday mornings. She had a passion for the Ronald McDonald House and would collect tabs from cans to help support helping others. Sam was of the Pentecost Faith.

She is survived by her husband Billie Risley of Benton; a daughter: Rebecca Conner and three granddaughters: Becca Conner, Brisies Conner and Gracie Libby all of Alabama; a great-grandson; five sisters: Carmen Lampley, Marybelle Taylor, Merle Frye, Katie Taylor and Elizabeth and husband Jim McGhee; three sisters-in-law: Lena Ivy, Cecil French, and Juanita Risley; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Risley was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Evelyn Hayse, a brother Buck Hayse, and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To sign the online memorial guest book visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Service Information

FUNERAL: 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2012
Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home
401 East Main Street
Benton, Illinois 62812


VISITATION: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 11, 2012
Leffler - Poulson Funeral Home
401 East Main Street
Benton, Illinois 62812


BURIAL: Harrison Cemetery
Buckner, Illinois

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