Obituaries 12-3-2025: Judith Shafer

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Judith Karen (Robinson) Shafer, age 84, of Jewett, formerly of Cerro Gordo, IL passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Funeral services were held on Saturday November 15, 2025, at the Jewett Community Church: 806 Adams Street, Jewett, IL 62436, with Pastor Shane Peters officiating. The burial was in the Jewett Cemetery directly following the service. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup assisted the family with arrangements.  

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Obituaries 12-3-2025: Billie Jean Lawyer

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Billie Jean Lawyer

Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer, 63, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her family and all who loved her deeply heartbroken but forever grateful for the love she so freely gave. Born on March 2, 1962, Billie lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to caring for others.

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Recent Obituaries: Michael Christian Duvall

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Michael Christian Duvall of Aurora, Illinois, passed away at the age of 50 on November 24, 2025.

Michael was born on March 22, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Donald Edward and Sandra Paulette (Woolridge) Duvall.

Michael graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in June 1993. He attended Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he became a member of the Gamma Zeta chapter of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Michael ultimately received his Bachelor's of Science degree in Sociology from Northern Illinois University in May 2007.

Michael was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and a life-long sufferer of the Chicago Bears. He was a self-proclaimed band nerd and a fan of all manner of music from Metallica to John Williams. He loved playing the drums and once proclaimed, "My Awesome God gave me a drum to bang."  

Michael was a born-again Christian who loved God and knew his final home is in Heaven.

Michael is survived by his loving parents, Donald E. and Paulette (Woolridge) Duvall; sister, Marcee C. Duvall; brother, Matthew C. Duvall; and nephew, Jacob R. Duvall.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Thomas E. Duvall and Bette A. (Bock) Duvall; maternal grandparents Oscar Woolridge and Imogene (Elzy) Woolridge.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan, Illinois. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. 

Recent Obituaries: Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer

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Billie Jean (Hutchinson) Lawyer, 63, passed away unexpectedly, leaving her family and all who loved her deeply heartbroken but forever grateful for the love she so freely gave. Born on March 2, 1962, Billie lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to caring for others.

On July 26, 1985, she married the love of her life, Bill Lawyer, and together they shared nearly 41 years of partnership, devotion, and family. Billie cherished her role as a wife, mother, and “Grandma Billie” more than anything. Her family was her world.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Whitney (Dustin) Cole, and grandchildren Isla, Brooks, and Knox; and her son, Blayne (Danielle) and grandchildren Harper and Hudson. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Bear and Jaxx, who she spoiled endlessly—especially with treats—and who brought her daily joy. They were her boys.  

Billie had a heart of gold that overflowed with love. She found joy in making others happy—whether creating treat bags for trick-or-treaters, putting together thoughtful gifts for the EIU women’s golf team, or showering her children and grandchildren with surprises big and small. She loved giving, celebrating, and finding little ways to brighten someone’s day.

She treasured her yearly beach trips to Florida with her sister, Abbie, a tradition filled with sunshine, laughter, and the simple happiness of being together.

A visitation will be held for friends and loved ones from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Toys for Tots in Billie’s memory. The holiday season was something she looked forward to every year. She loved Christmas and sharing joy with children during the holiday season was something she loved deeply. We would love to continue that tradition in a meaningful way to honor her generous spirit through donating toys for children in need. Through this, we hope to carry forward the love and kindness our sweet, Grandma Billie, shared so freely.

Billie’s life was a beautiful reflection of gratitude, generosity, and heart. Her love will continue to guide and bless her family forever. We will miss her more than words can say.