Virginia Brannan
Virginia Dowdall Brannan, 85, of Bloomington passed away at 11:00 p.m. on July 16 at Heritage Manor in Bloomington.
Her funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Bloomington with Pastor Adam M. Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m. on Friday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Interment will be at Carrollton City Cemetery in Carrollton. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Virginia was born on Jan. 17, 1931 in Carrollton, Ill., a daughter to Leven Marwood and Abbie Voorhees Dowdell, Sr. She married Charles “Charlie” Brannan on Feb. 7, 1953 in the Baptist Church in Carrollton. He preceded her in death on Oct. 25, 1994.
Surviving are her two children, David (Lezlie) Brannan of Bloomington and Linda (Chris) Witte of Shirley; seven grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lucille Farnsworth; two brothers, Leven Marwood Dowdell, Jr and Russell Dowdell.
Virginia was educated in Carrollton schools and was the first Homecoming Queen of Carrollton High School where she also had a street named in her honor.
She graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a degree in education. She taught second grade in Phoenix, AZ for two years while her husband was in the Air Force. They returned to Bloomington and Virginia was a teacher in District 87 schools while Charlie attended ISNU, she taught for seven years. Later, she worked as a substitute teacher within District 87 for 30 years, retiring in 1995.
Virginia was a long time member and an active member at First Baptist Church where she was a trustee and in charge of receptions.
She always said Carrollton was a great town to grow up in, she had so many happy memories of her childhood there.
Virginia was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was deeply loved and will be truly missed.
Online condolences and memories of Virginia may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
James Platt
James “Jim” Paul Platt, 63, of Normal, formerly of Carlyle, passed away at 3:15 p.m. on July 18 at McLean County Nursing Home in Normal.
His funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington with Bill Platt officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jim was born on July 10, 1953 in Carlyle, Ill., a son to James and Jean Frerker Platt. He married Nancy McNiff on Oct. 15, 1983. She survives.
He grew up in Carlyle, Ill., was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and later moved to Bloomington where he began his career with State Farm Insurance Company. Jim was employed with State Farm for 33 years, retiring in 2011.
Surviving are three sons, James Platt of Dallas, Texas, David Platt and Michael Platt both of Normal; three sisters, Jean “Missy” (Steve) Holtgrave of Carlyle, Mary “Mimi” (Phil) Rapp and Caroline “Gigi” Platt both of Centralia and a brother, Bill (Diane) Platt of Tulsa, Okla.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Platt.
Jim raised his sons in Bloomington who he was very proud of and was a dedicated father as well as a friend to many.
Online condolences and memories of Jim may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
