Velma Jean Coons - Benton, IL Velma Jean Coons, 85, of Benton, IL, died surrounded by her family at 7:42 p.m. Friday, December 23, 2011 at Franklin Hospital, Benton, IL. Mrs. Coons was born on July 2, 1926 in Macedonia, IL. She was raised by her grandparents, Jarrett Guy and Caroline Hall in Akin. She married Paul J. Coons on October 16, 1947 and he preceded her in death on November 8, 1992. Velma was a housewife and a longtime member of the East Benton Baptist Church. Surviving relatives include two sons, Paul R. (Deana) Coons, Guy (Donna) Coons, both of Benton, IL, three grandchildren, Melissa Coons, Benton, IL, Bethany (Nick) Unterseh, Columbia, IL, Paula (Thomas) Arpasi, Benton, IL, one great-granddaughter, Mia Arpasi, Benton, IL, a brother, Kenneth Hall, West Frankfort, IL, a brother-in-law, Elvis Summers, Elgin, IL, and cousins, John (Judy) Overturf, Benton, IL, Dennis (Rosemary) Overturf, West Frankfort, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, mother, Helen Spencer, step-father, Earl Spencer, two sisters, Nyla Mae Summers and Sue Wallace, and daughter-in-law, Connie Coons. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2011 and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Karl Barnfield officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery, Akin, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Resurrection Baptist Church (formerly East Benton Baptist) and will be accepted at the funeral home. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.