Bernadetta Leathers

Bernadetta Marie "Bea" (Whitsell) Leathers, 97, of Bourbonnais, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Kankakee. Bea was born Jan. 18, 1929, in Hammond, Ind., the daughter of William J. Whitsell Jr. and Bernadetta C. (O'Mara) Whitsell. On Oct. 5, 1946, she married Douglas E. Leathers Sr. in Bloomington, Ill. Together they raised four children. An accomplished seamstress, Bea devoted herself to her family and her home. For more than 50 years she hosted the family Christmas gathering — a tradition that brought together generations of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and her husband traveled extensively, including trips to Europe, Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, New Orleans, the East Coast and Las Vegas. She also enjoyed camping and homemaking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas E. Leathers Sr.; her son, Douglas E. Leathers Jr.; her parents; and her brothers, William J. Whitsell III and Edwin Lee Whitsell. Bea is survived by three of her four children: Sheila Fournier of Bradley; Ronald Leathers of Manteno; and Sherree (Jeffrey) Benoit of Kankakee. She is also survived by her sister, Carroll (Dennis) Kimery of Louisville, Kentucky; her grandchildren Joseph (Danielle) Kroesch, Christine Robinson, Brian Leathers, Caleb (Cody) Benoit, and Collin (Samantha) Benoit; great-grandchildren Jordyn (Nathan) Dietrich, Hannah Kroesch, Emma (Garrett) Mullin, Brad Leathers, Angela Leathers, Amanda Robinson, Cassandra Robinson, Winston Benoit, Lennon Benoit, Amelia Benoit, Milo Benoit, Grayson Burke and Finley Benoit; and great-great-grandchildren Brooks and Brynlee Dietrich. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Jensen Funeral Home, 3639 IL-17, Kankakee. A service will follow at 1 p.m., with burial at 2 p.m. at Kankakee Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care in Bourbonnais.