Florence "Caroline" James

Florence "Caroline" James, 73, of Benton, formerly of Bushnell, went home to be with her Lord and Savoir at 2:55 p.m., Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Herrin Hospital.
Caroline was born on July 19, 1952, in Williamsville, Missouri to Clifford and Ollie (Bilbrey) Strange. She was a 1970 graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School. After graduating, Caroline joined the work force and ended her career as a longtime employee at Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Company.
Caroline recently rededicated her life to Christ, finding peace and comfort in her faith. Some of the best times in her life were spent at the family's river plot with her siblings, laughing and playing cards together. She cherished every moment she shared with them. Caroline's greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her grandchildren, sharing popsicles with them on warm days and ending it with congratulations.
Her love, laughter, and caring spirit will forever be remembered by those who were lucky enough to share in her life.
She is survived by her daughter, Renee Emery of Hubert, NC; two sons, James William Braden Jr. of West Frankfort and Phillip (Tyra) Braden of Lake Panasoffkee, FL; six grandchildren, Adam (Savannah) Emery of Hubert, NC, Cory Wilkerson of Benton, Nevaeh Braden of Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Harley Hackett of Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Kiara (Chris) Coleman of Lake Panasoffkee, FL, Patience (Dominic) Tomlinson, of Zephyshill, FL; six great-grandchildren, Easton, Ira, and Owen Emery, Grabriel Hackett, Serenity Coleman, and Sierra Tomlinson; four siblings, Charles Strange of Bushnell, Robert (Sonja) Strange of Warsaw, MO, Glen (Kathy) Strange of Bushnell, Shirley Dildine of Bushnell; two sisters-in-law, Connie Strange of Gulf Breeze, Fl, and Diane Stange of Prairie City, IL. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews, family friends, Jack and Tammy Woolard, and special friend, Denver Cox.
She is preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Aaron Emery; brothers, David, Thurman, Harlan, and Thorton Strange; sisters, Anna Lea Waller and Freida Faye Strange; sister-in-law, Rebecca (Garrett) Strange; brother-in-law, James Dildine.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with inurnment to follow in Prairie City Cemetery in Prairie City, Illinois.
Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements.