Carolyn Ann Thomas, 86, of Pontoon Beach, IL, passed away at 1:40 p.m. Mon. Oct. 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born Apr. 18, 1937 in Carterville, IL to the late Raymond & Anna (Phillips) Phillips.
She and Carl Chism were married Dec. 25, 1954. He preceded her in death Aug. 1, 1999. Then on Sept. 1, 2001, she and Edgar “Ed” A. Thomas were married in Granite City, IL. He survives.
Carolyn had worked for Sun Line Candy and then as a Dupo School bus driver for 17 years before retirement. Carolyn and Ed had been longtime members of Pontoon Baptist Church where she played as organist and pianist. She also taught Sunday School and helped The Lions Club with Easter eggs. They then became members of Bethesda Baptist Church where she served as an active member.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by 4 children and their spouses: Phillip Dale & Vicki Chism of Dupo, IL, Brian Lee & Tracy Chism of Dupo, Edgar A. & Tenisha Thomas Jr. of Edwardsville, IL and Jeffrey Carl & Sonya Chism of Arnold, MO; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a niece Charlene; nephew Jack Phillips; In-laws: Dorothy Spicer, Maryland Dickey, Charles Thomas and Carolyn Bloomquist.
Besides her parents and first husband of 47 years, she was preceded in death by a brother: Charles Ray Phillips: brothers-in-law: Eugene Thomas and Jackie Eugene Thomas; and sisters-in-law: Margaret Ann and Betty Barunica; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Milo & Mary Thomas .
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thurs. Oct. 12, 2023 at Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Fri. Oct. 13, 2023 at Bethesda Baptist Church with Pastor David Denton officiating. Burial will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, IL.
Memorials may be made to Bethesda Baptist Church.
Online information and guestbook through Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory may be found at www.wojstrom.com.
