Thelma Harvel

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Thelma Jean Harvel, 89, of Marion, Illinois, formerly of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at Hurricane Creek Assisted Living in Herrin, Illinois.

She was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Cape Girardeau, daughter of Arthur and Lora Haney Garrison. She and Dempsey Harry Harvel were married Sept. 27, 1941, in Jackson. He preceded her in death Nov. 18, 1988.

Thelma was a member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro and VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Anna, Illinois. She retired from Choate Mental Health, where she worked 18 years in the dietary department.

Survivors include two daughters, Charlotte Carter of Austin, Texas, and Carolyn (John) Bavender of Marion; six grandchildren, Angela Rich, Scott Rich, Jennifer Kristoff, Gwen Kelley, Chris Bavender and Michael Bavender; 11 great-grandchildren; her beloved dog and companion, Maddie; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dempsey Harry Harvel; a daughter, Diane Harvel Kelley; and five sisters.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time Friday at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at noon Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery in Dongola, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit rendlemanhilemanfh.com.