Constance "Connie" L. Thomas

Constance “Connie” L. Thomas, age 87 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon, IL. A Mass of the Resurrection celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. A private service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held at 10:00 AM the same day at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, is in charge of services. Connie was born on December 26, 1937, in Effingham, IL to the late Wendell E. and Kathryn B. (Sur) Howell. She married Vernon W. “Bud” Thomas Jr. on September 8, 1956, in Mattoon, IL; he preceded her in death on August 5, 2013. She is survived by three sons: Mark E. Thomas and wife Cathy of Charleston, IL, Doug A. Thomas and wife Janet of Mattoon, IL, Michael W. Thomas and wife Kristie of Lerna, IL; one daughter-in-law, Martha Thomas of Onalaska, WI; one sister, Nancy S. Fleming of Oceanside, CA; eight grandchildren: Laura Kapp and husband Aaron of Lebanon, IL, Tony Thomas of Phoenix, AZ, Matthew Thomas of Berlin, Germany, Josie Thomas of Marion, IA, AJ Thomas and wife Leah of St. Louis, MO, Mason Thomas and wife Angie of Mattoon, IL, Makenna Thomas of St. Louis, MO, Brett Thomas of Murrieta, CA; two step grandchildren; Scott Hoene and wife Sarah of Neoga, IL, Becky Gajewski and husband Mick of Ashley, IL; five great-grandchildren; seven step great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Greg W. Thomas; one sister, Janice Hall; and one step grandchild, Aaron Hoene. Connie was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. She received her Master of Education from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. In 1993, she retired from Mattoon Community Unit School District 2 as a teacher at Bennett Elementary School for twenty-two dedicated years. She held memberships at the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, multiple teachers’ organizations including, a lifetime member of National Education Association, Mattoon Education Association and Coles County Retired Teachers Association, and was a Bridge Club member. Prior to teaching, Connie was employed at Meadow Gold Dairy. Following her retirement, Connie and her husband Bud spent several winter months in Florida before permanently moving there in 1997. They both enjoyed the warm weather, strolling the beach, golfing, and visits from their family and friends. While living in Florida, Connie was an active member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and served as Extra Ordinary Minister. She was also an active member of the Legion of Mary and Christ Renews His Parish. A life well lived, dedicated to God, serving others, and a pillar in her family. This loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend will be deeply missed, and her memory will be forever treasured. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Constance "Connie" L. Thomas

December 26, 1937 - January 25, 2025