Benjamin "Benny" Mark Crow

Benny was born on September 27, 2006 in Morris, IL to Matt and Jami-Noel (Jochim) Crow. We are eternally grateful to his birth mother for her decision to choose life for Benny. Also, for her choosing our family to care and love him. We will always be grateful to Beth Herman for her compassionate ministry to women in need and for the special role she played in helping us grow our family through adoption.

Benny is survived by his parents Matt and Jami-Noel and his younger sister Ella, all of Dunlap. He is also survived by his grandparents Paul and Janell Jochim of Pingree Grove, Illinois and Gary and Barb Crow of Peoria. Also surviving are his Aunt Jill Jochim of Hoffman Estates, Illinois and his Uncle Jon and Aunt Betsy Crow of Washington, Illinois and his cousins Lyla and Eli. He also is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as many half siblings through adoption. He will be deeply missed by the family’s dog Magnolia because he was known for giving her unhealthy amounts of treats.

His eighth-grade graduation verse from Peoria Christian Middle School was Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Benny graduated from Dunlap High School May of 2025 and was currently working at Kroger Co. stocking shelves. He had plans to pursue a career in HVAC through ICC’s trade program.

Benny loved his family and friends and enjoyed playing and watching sports. He was extremely gifted in hockey, football and lacrosse, while also playing baseball and basketball. He loved the outdoors, and fishing with his Papa Gary, Uncle Jon and Dad. He was the starting right guard for back-to-back Middle Tennessee championship football teams when he was young, losing 1 game in 2 seasons. He also played on the Peoria Christian School 2020 seventh grade basketball team that finished second in state.

He had an infectious smile that would light up a room and loved to make others laugh. He was a funny young man and had a big personality, often times landing him in hot water at school. One teacher gave him the nickname ‘giggle-box’ because he was always laughing. He also had the kind of personality that couldn’t be silenced by seating charts.

Benny was a registered organ donor, and while his passing leaves those who loved him devastated, 3 lives were saved through his decision to help others.

He attended church at Grace Presbyterian in Peoria, IL and accepted Jesus into his heart at a young age. He was baptized May 8, 2016 at Long Hollow Baptist when his family lived in Hendersonville, TN.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. Visitation will be at Grace Presbyterian Church, 8607 State Route 91 Peoria, IL 61615, on Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 9:00 – 11:00AM with the funeral service directly following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service (where Benny loved to play NGA basketball) www.peoriafriendshiphouse.org or to a college fund set up at CEFCU under Matthew Crow #020 (Memorial Fund) for his sister Ella whom he loved so much and always tried to protect.