BENTON – Christi Lynn Kirkman, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Stonebridge Memory Care of Mt. Vernon, IL.
Christi was born on May 14, 1951, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of Alva Bowlin Jr. and Jessie Ellen (Lunsford) Bowlin. She married Dwayne Kirkman on October 3, 1970, and he survives.
She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a former coder at Franklin Hospital until she retired to spend more time with her family. Christi was also a member of the Eastern Star and the Benton Elks.
She enjoyed playing golf, knitting, and traveling. Her family said she was a great gardener and cookie baker who loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are her loving husband of 54 years, Dwayne Kirkman of Benton; two sons, Jonathan Dwayne Kirkman and Korby Eugene Kirkman, both of Benton; a granddaughter, Kailey Fowlkes and husband Jamey; a grandson, Zackry Kirkman and fiancée Katie Ramsey; and seven great-grandchildren: Zaedyn McCain, Roxzyn McCain, Lynlee McCain, Tyler Fowlkes, Cailyn Fowlkes, Brynix Fowlkes, and Harmyn Fowlkes.
She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Gay Bowlin of Benton; a niece, Adena Bowlin Clark and husband Jeff; her very special friends, “The Friday Night Group,” and many other friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva “Bud” and Jessie Bowlin, and a brother, Cyril Eugene Bowlin.
Private funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial followed in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, SSM Hospice, or the Franklin County Animal Shelter, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences for the family or to share memories of Christi, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
