1947 - 2026
Carolyn Sue Thomas,79, of Springerton passed away after a long, valiant battle with colon cancer on June 20, 2026 at Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, IN. She was born on April 16, 1947 in Crossville the daughter of Ulyess “Dude” and Lola Violet (Davis) Schalk. Carolyn married James “Jimmy” Lee Thomas on September 29, 1972 and they shared over 48 years of marriage together until his passing on December 4, 2020. She was a member of the Springerton Christian Church where she was actively involved. Carolyn loved to dance, travel, mow, camp, go on trail rides, watch her grandsons ball games, and cook (she was especially known for her chicken and noodles).
Carolyn is survived by her children, Rhonda (Scott) France of McLeansboro and Rickey (Gayle Ward) Lee Thomas of McLeansboro; beloved bonus son, Ryah (Megan) Thomas and their children, Tripp and Terra of McLeansboro; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Paul (Jeanette) Schalk of Carmi, Joe (Carolyn) Schalk of Spring Hill, TN, Roy Schalk of Greenfield, IN, and Janette (Howard) Speir of Pegram, TN; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dude and Lola Schalk; husband, Jimmy Thomas; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Luann Schalk; and sister-in-law, Ruth Schalk.
Funeral Services for Carolyn Sue Thomas,79, of Springerton will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Burial will be in Old Springer Cemetery near Springerton. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to Springerton Christian Church’s Ladies Friendship Circle and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, IL 62821.
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