Benita Jean Emmons, 81, died on March 18, 2025, passing into eternal life. Born May 5, 1943, in Chicago, she was the only child of Elsie (née Hamel) and Benjamin H. Emmons Jr., both of whom preceded her in death.
She was a proud stepmother to Richard Roberts, Tammie (Todd) Heinecke, Johnnie (Linda) Spanraft, Gary (Ashley) Spanraft, and Susan (Will) Irvin. Known affectionately as “Grandma Nita,” she cherished her grandchildren Savannah Griffin, Travis Heinecke, James and Jonathan Irvin, and Nathaniel Spanraft, as well as her great-grandchildren Lilyann Griffin, Thomas Heinecke, and Rhett Heinecke.
Benita was a graduate of Carl Sandburg High School (Class of 1961) and attended Northern Illinois University. She lived in Houston, Texas, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before returning to Illinois. Her career spanned roles at Spiegel, Inc., World Book Educational Products in both Chicago and Houston, Universal Engineering, Talman Home Savings, MCI Worldcom, Sprint, and Argo Summit Supply.
She was deeply loved by her many cousins, in-laws, their children, and friends.
Visitation was held Friday, March 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Palos-Gaidas Funeral Home in Palos Hills. A funeral service took place Saturday, March 22, at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by interment at Chapel Hill Gardens South in Oak Lawn.
Benita will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and the love she shared with all who knew her.
The post Benita Jean Emmons, 81 appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.