April 13, 1940 - September 19, 2016

Norma Jean Thomason, 76, of Bluford passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at 12:16 p.m. in her home surrounded by family.

Norma was born April 13, 1940, in Bluford to Samuel and Ruby (Shelton) Lane.

Her parents preceded her in death. Only 18 short months after her birth, her mother passed away. She was then raised by an uncle and aunt, Harvey and Lena (Lane) Shelton, who she called "mom and dad." They also preceded her in death.

On Oct. 20, 1962, she married her true love, Norman Dean Thomason. He preceded her in death on Sept. 21, 1988.

The couple's greatest pride was their children.

They are survived by three children, Terry Thomason and wife, Katie of Palos Park; Tanett Thomason-Woodworth and husband, Shannon of Tinley Park; and Tricia Collins and husband, Chris of Bluford.

A son, Todd, preceded them in death on March 29, 1968.

Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Danny Thomason, Sammy Thomason, Megan Thomason, Ryan Thomason, and Kelly Thomason; Nathanael Karch; Bret Collins and Brenna Collins. She never missed an important event in their lives. She is also survived by three brothers, Verdon "Rabbit" Lane, Leonard Lane, and Sammy Lane.

She is preceded in death by three brothers: Virgil Lane, Vernon "Peanut" Lane, and Harvey Lane.

Three sisters also preceded her in death: VernaDean Taylor, EvaLena Wilson, and Venetta Lane.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She will be remembered as a caring, Christian mother and wife. Her children remember her as a virtuous woman who provided much love and direction and delicious meals.

She worked within her church, the East Hickory Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Bluford. She was a member of the Bluford Churches United for Christ, helping to bring all church members together in Bluford for worthy causes. She also worked hard outside the home, retiring as a secretary at the Jefferson County Superintendent of Schools' Office in 2003. Many in the Jefferson County community attended a retirement party in her honor sponsored by Dr. P.E. Cross.

She graduated from Webber Township High School in 1958 before attending a business school in Omaha, Neb. Soon after attending business school, she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield in Milwaukee, Wis. In the fall of 1959, she moved to Springfield, Illinois, to work as a secretary for the Illinois Department of Public Aid before meeting Norman and returning to Bluford to be his wife.

She loved to go shopping and took advantage of coupons and great deals. Norma is also known as a true friend. She was concerned about the well-being of others, often patiently sitting bed side for those who were sick or terminally ill.

Her children remember their mother as someone who selflessly put others before herself.

She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Norma enjoyed bowling and participated in bowling leagues in years past. She enjoyed movies and often stayed awake late at night to watch movies on the Hallmark channel. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

She was a member of the Christian Women's Connection through the Bluford Church of God. She was a member of the Senior Circle Advisory Board at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Norma had a sharp mind and was called upon by family members to remember family names and stories from the past. She was very detailed and meticulous, keeping hand-written records on all she did. Norma is remembered as someone who saw the good in everything. She didn't complain, even in her sickness.

Source: Hughey Funeral Home website
Date: September 2016
Transcribed and submitted by: Sandy (Whalen) Bauer