Velma Jean Thomason

Velma Jean Thomason, age 77, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed, Friday, November 13, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, St. Elmo, Illinois. Visitation will take place two hours prior to start of funeral service. John Kakish will be officiating. Burial will take place in Roselawn Mound Cemetery, Charleston, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Church of God, St. Elmo, Illinois Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhomes.com

Velma was born July 06, 1949, in Ina, Illinois, the daughter of Gale Walton Book and Mildred Lee (Taylor) Book. She married Kenneth R. Thomason on April 14, 1968, in Sullivan, Illinois. Velma enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking in the beauty of nature, reading, and attending her grandchildren’s sporting events. She especially cherished family gatherings and the time spent with those she loved. She also dedicated many years to volunteering at her current and former churches, where she faithfully gave her time and service. She devoted herself to raising her four children and treasured the blessings of being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and the most important part of her life.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Kenneth Thomason; children, Rhonda (Chad) Pedigo of Charleston, Illinois, Kenneth G. (deceased wife, Deborah) Thomason of Mahomet, Illinois, Lora (significant other, Thomas Shields) Hill of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Robert (Angela) Thomason of Millstadt, Illinois; siblings, Don Book, Sam Book, Ed Book, Harry Book, Alma Ayers, Bobby Book, Marvin Book, Patty Hines, ten grandchildren, Brent, Breanne, Jenna, Kalvin, Richard (Wynonna), Kenneth L. (Alexandra), Connor (Makana), Caitlin, Andrew, and Noah; five great grandchildren; brother in law, Larry Thomason; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded by her parents, Gale and Mildred Book, daughter-in-law, Deborah Thomason, siblings, Dickie Book, Roy Book, Rose Denton; brother-in-law, Ron Thomason, and sister-in-law, Marcia Collins