Debra Gay Benham

Debra Gay (Worth) Benham, 66, of Keensburg, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Wabash General Hospital, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

She was born November 16, 1955, the daughter of Robert Paul and Esther Lou (Lynch) Worth. Her father passed away and Debra was adopted by her mother’s second husband, Larry Gordon Benham. Debra graduated in the class of 1973 from Mt. Carmel High School.

Debra was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Debra enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Left to cherish Debra’s memory are her children, Jennifer (Corbett Raines) Pratt, James (Amy) McClellan and Jacquelyn (Lionel Brown) McClellan; her father, Larry G. (Jane) Benham; grandchildren, Trae James, Lora LaCroix, Hunter Pratt, Abigail McClellan, Tristan Pratt, Conner Gentry, Madison Gentry, Kaitlyn McClellan, Draven Easley and Olivia Cormier; siblings, Robert Michael (Linda Dezern) Benham, Lisa (Bill) Smith, and Rev. Lori (Stephen) Tharp; special friend of 20 years, Nathan Daniels; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Debra is preceded in death by her father, Robert Paul Worth, mother, Esther Lou (Lynch) Worth, and a granddaughter, Megan (McClellan) Hamilton.

Per her wishes she is being cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Debra’s family.

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