Hamp Webster, Jr.

May 16, 1937 - February 27, 2022

Hamp Webster, Jr., 84, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born May 16, 1937 in Marks, Mississippi, the son of Hamp Webster, Sr. and Eddie Mae (Hemmingway) Webster. He married Marla O'Neal on March 15, 2003 and she survives. In addition to his wife of 19 years , Marla Webster of Centralia, he is also survived by his sons: Eddie McGee and wife Sue of Midland, Texas, Calvin McGee of Centralia, Frederick Webster of Centralia, Michael Jones of Cleveland, Mississippi, Jerry Polk of Marks, Mississippi, Hamp Webster, III and wife Annie of Carbondale, Olajuwon Billberry of Centralia, and DeAndre Downey of Centralia; daughters: Joyce King of Centralia, Joan Gillespie of Paducah, Kentucky, Linda Webster of Centralia, Shalonda Webster of Paducah, Kentucky, Laura Harris of Kentucky, Valencia Matthews of Minnesota, Tiesha Matthews of Centralia and Malaya Downey of Centralia; Hamp is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; four sisters: Blanchie Jones of Marks, Mississippi, Ella James of Chicago, Queen Williams of Centralia, and Jone Crenshaw of Centralia; and several nieces and nephews. Hamp was preceded in death by his parents: Hamp Sr. and Eddie Mae Webster, two daughters: Robin Webster, Mary Webster, son: Fred Harris, granddaughter: Emma King Wallace, two brothers: Eddie Webster and James Webster, and Four sisters: Elizabeth Lamar, Annie Mae Bobo, Martha McDonald and Neal Adams. Hamp was known in the community as a jack of all trades. From carpentry, to fishing, working as a mechanic, and of course farming. Hamp was known as the go to man to get any job done. In the summer months, Hamp took pride in feeding the community from his garden. He was known for passing out huge bags of collard, mustard, and turnip greens. And we can’t forget- Hamp made the BEST greens you could ever taste! Hamp enjoyed spending time with his family. He found peace in the small moments of life. He liked being outside and you could always find him sitting out on the porch, enjoying good weather with his wife, Marla. When Hamp wasn’t busy working and lending someone a helping hand, he passed down wisdom and knowledge through his story-telling, many of which were about life in his hometown of Marks, Mississippi. A Going Home Celebration Service for Hamp Webster, Jr. will be held Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 12:00 PM at the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Centralia with Pastor Isaac D. Parker and Reverend Ron Johnson officiating. A live broadcast of Hamp's service may be found on Second Missionary Baptist Church-Centralia 's Facebook page the day of the service for those unable to attend. Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Webster Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.