Carolyn S. Cookston, 77, of Benton, passed away at 9:50 a.m., on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Benton.

She was born on January 20, 1944, to Edward and Dorothy (Stewart) Sears in West Frankfort, IL. Carolyn retired form Big Muddy Prison as a PRN. She married William Robert "Bob" Cookston and he preceded her in death on April 6, 1999.

Carolyn enjoyed helping others and loved her pet dogs. She learned sign language and taught it as well.

Carolyn is survived by two daughters, Hope Ragsdale and Robin Garman; and two granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Dorothy Sears, her husband, William Robert Cookston, her brother, Thomas Sears and her sister, Barbara Gaynor.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Jessie Vineyard, officiating.

Memorials may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Franklin County Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.