Remembering

It’s almost impossible to talk about the Springfield National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) without mentioning Robert Goza. He was a life member of the national organization and an active member of the local chapter for more than 50 years. Perhaps his work and dedication to the NAACP is the result of […]

We lost our mom, Florence Boner, unexpectedly April 19. She was 81, but still very active, volunteering all over town as usual. I had the job of emptying the house and going through all the papers that she and my dad collected for the last 50-some years. Among the thousands of recipes, greeting cards, newspaper […]

“Would you like a box?” Aubrey Caitlin Barker would have appreciated how many folks said yes to doggie bags at a sold-out dinner at Lincoln Land Community College on Dec. 6 to raise money for a scholarship in her name. Big portions were a hallmark of Caitie Girl’s, the restaurant founded by Barker that succeeded […]

About the issue In this last edition of the year, Illinois Times celebrates the lives of just a few of the Springfield-area people who have died during the past year. By reading their stories, you can see that each one in this diverse collection contributed vastly to the fabric of life here. So they represent […]

It was with a heavy heart that I plugged in our Christmas tree this year. I am certain that the lights are not nearly as bright as they were last year. Something is missing from the usual festivities. It is the first Christmas without my husband’s grandmother. Grandma Schweska shone especially bright this time of […]

The solemn drone of bagpipes fills the cold winter air as hundreds of pensive mourners shuffle into the towering white stone church. Inside sits a family coping with the sudden, unexplainable loss of a father, son, brother and friend. Between the wooden pews lay the body of Springfield mayor Tim Davlin, who served the city […]

Malik Hines, a Springfield High School senior who, along with freshman Zena Garcia, died in a car accident in November, was known for his talents and for his unique sense of style. But what at least two of his friends will remember most is Hines’ smile. “I’m pretty sure that his job here [on Earth] […]

Pauline and I met for the first time in 2004 at breakfast with other night shift nurses and assistants. “Oh my,” I said to myself as a large Pauline with a butch haircut joined us. Her pleasant voice revealed a strong Boston accent as she spoke. Easy conversation followed, and I found myself liking her […]

It always seemed to take Albert Link a little longer than most to break down and make a part of his life the simple conveniences of everyday modern life. As often as he told his family, “I love you,” he also told them, “We don’t need it.” “But he would back that up,” said his […]

Raymond Edward Ohl was born July 23, 1928, in Parkersburg, W. Va. Dad served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Robert H. Smith, and was awarded several medals for his efforts of which we were all very proud. He married Eulalia DuBeck Oct. 14, 1950, in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Assumption. Of that […]

For six years I’ve written poems for this publication. Many have included my daughter, Damaris Lee Jackson, born Jan. 15, 1954, in Oxford, England. She lived with me these past two years, while she was ill though seemingly well. She took her life Sept. 19. When Damaris was six she attended a children’s art class. […]

On Nov. 6, I lost my husband of 42 years, Richard A. Luttrell. He lived in Springfield his entire life. He was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Association, A Co 2/327 Brigade (Separate) and served in Vietnam in ’67-’68. He reconnected with many of his Vietnam comrades through the annual and biannual reunions. […]