Helen Hampton - Benton, IL Helen (Vaughn) Hampton, aged 96, passed away on May 31, 2011 at her home in Benton, IL. She was born on May 22, 1915 in Macedonia, IL to Oscar Ross Vaughn and Flora (Ingram) Vaughn. Later her parents moved the family to Zeigler. She often reminisced about her childhood in Zeigler, the candy store her father managed and going to the movie theatre where he sold tickets. In 1932, Helen met and married Ernest J. Bennett and moved to Benton where they lived until purchasing a farm in Whittington, IL and raising four children, Marlene, Kingsley, Jimmy, and Lynda. Helen was a loving homemaker as well as having part-time jobs at various businesses in Franklin County including Burtons Cafe,, Star Best, Engerts Cafe,, Kewpee Cafe,, and Holiday Inn restaurant. In her later years she worked as a caregiver. Also, during World War II she worked in the Illinois Ordnance Factory in Crab Orchard. In 1966, Helen married Irvin Hampton of Mt. Carmel where she resided until 1973. Then they moved back to Macedonia, the place she always called home. Irvin passed away shortly thereafter. Helen had a strong faith in God and often quoted her favorite scripture , "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths." Quite often she would sing "This world is not my home, Im only passing through." Her favorite poem was "Crossing the Bar" by Alfred Lord Tennyson and she could quote it by heart. She was a member of East Benton Baptist Church and also attended First Baptist Church in Benton with her daughters. Helen will always be remembered for her bubbly personality, witty charm, and big smile and also for her love for animals. She always had a pet dog, cat, tropical fish, and enjoyed feeding and watching wild birds. Her hobbies included making handmade quilts, reading, playing piano by ear, fishing, and just being outdoors. She often said "God must love green because he made a lot of it." Her favorite color, too! Helen is survived by her four children, Marlene Webb, Ewing, IL, Kingsley Bennett, Ewing, IL, Jim Bennett, Benton, IL, Lynda Sanchez, Benton, IL, two daughters-in-law, Cathy Bennett and Barbara Bennett, eight grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren, and one brother, Oscar Ross Vaughn, Jr., Macedonia, IL and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mrs. Hampton was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, a sister, Thelma Jones, a brother, Amuel Vaughn, a brother-in-law, Paul Jones, sister-in-laws, Isabelle Vaughn and Goldie Vaughn, a son-in-law, Cy R. Webb, a grandson, Bradley Bennett, and a great-great-grandson, Baby Deegan Odom. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Liberty-Ridlen Cemetery, Ewing, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Whittington Church, 200 W. Main St., Whittington, IL 62897 or First Candle, 1314 Bedford Ave., Suite 210, Baltimore, MD, 21208 and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.