Sally Carlene Thomas

Sally Carlene Thomas, 63, of Jacksonville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She was surrounded by her family. She was born January 3, 1952 in Winchester, IL, the daughter of Carl and Juanita Anders. She married John Thomas on April 21, 1984, in Winchester, and he survives. She is also survived by her children, Shane Thomas of Jacksonville; Heather (husband, Doug) Zulauf of Murrayville; step-son John II (wife, Mindy) Thomas of Winchester and four grandsons. Her brother Ronald Roach of Missouri also survives. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Jackie Hooper of California. Sally graduated from Winchester High School in 1972. On August 1, 1968, she was crowned Winchester Burgoo Queen at the American Legion Burgoo. During the late 1960s, she served as one of the Carpentier Girls during the Illinois State Fair, escorting Senator Donald Carpentier. When her children were younger, Sally served in many capacities in their lives: Boy Scout leader, room mother, lunch supervisor, and school volunteer. She worked as a day care provider in her home for 12 years providing love, preschool education and comfort for many children. During this time, she also served as a foster parent, never thinking twice to help a child in need. If she could make someone’s day brighter and better, she wouldn’t hesitate. In her younger years, Sally was an avid bowler—achieving many awards and gaining entrance into the Women’s International Bowling Congress! During the mid ‘90s, Sally served as a member-and, for a short time, Secretary—of AMBUCS. She also worked in several local restaurants throughout her lifetime. Sally was a true saleswoman- spending a large portion of her life selling Mary Kay cosmetics and AVON to help other feel great about themselves. While striving to be the best in her Mary Kay career, Sally won multiple distinctive awards and traveled several times to Dallas, Texas during their Annual Pink Seminar! Sally was crowned number one in the State of Illinois for sales, held a customer base of over 400, placed #1 in sales 37 times, and was a team leader. She spent a lot of time giving back to the community speaking to various schools and organization on skincare and sun care. In 2007 and 2008, she was named a part of AVON’s Honor Society and received their “Best New Performer Award”. Sally was also named to the President’s Club eight consecutive years (2007-2014). Sally also served as a Petra Fashions Consultant where she ranked #4 in personal sales in 2000. She truly loved spending time with her family, watching the cooking channel, working on cross-stitch, and gardening. Sally was a woman of faith belonging to the Meredosia Baptist Church. She will always be remembered for her witty comments, silly jokes and the laughter with which she could fill a room. “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”—Winnie the Pooh Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2015, at the Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville with interment in the Winchester City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Family will meet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flower memorials are suggested to the family c/o Daws Funeral Home.

Sally Carlene Thomas

January 3, 1952 - November 10, 2015