Virginia Irene Thompson

Virginia Irene Thompson, 91, of Beardstown, died Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.

She was born April 25, 1933, in Greenfield, the daughter of Ancle and Lela Smith Sonneborn. She married Myron L. Thompson in Greenfield on April 17, 1955, and he preceded her in death on January 30, 2012.

She is survived by four children, Jackie Harwick of Muncie, IN, Julie Thompson of Beardstown, Bill (wife Della) Thompson of Eureka, MO, and Susan (husband John) Spalding of New Berlin; three grandchildren, Jason (wife Jessica) Harwick of Wadsworth, OH, Corinda Launer of Beardstown, and Rachel Thompson of St. Louis, MO; two great-grandchildren, Kaelyn Harwick of Columbus, OH and James Harwick of Wadsworth, OH; two sisters Mary Sue Shanks of Jacksonville and Jane Johnston of Quincy; her best friend since grade school Ruth Ferguson of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Doris Dewey, and two brothers, Robert and Tom Sonneborn (surviving wife Bonnie) of Palmyra.

Mrs. Thompson graduated from Greenfield High School, tied for Salutatorian in the class of 1952. She then graduated from Passavant School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse in 1955, where she met her future sister-in-law, Mary Deaton, who introduced her to her future husband. Virginia worked as a nurse in the surrounding areas, including Springfield Hospital, Cass County Health Department, and Beardstown Hospital. She also raised her family in between her working career. Virginia was a First United Methodist Church member and enjoyed volunteering in many places within the church, especially United Methodist Women. She was a Beardstown Emblem Club #474 member, volunteered with Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice, delivered Bread of Love meals, and was an ombudsman for area nursing homes. Virginia enjoyed quilting and working in her flower garden and Friday dinners with friends. Her passion for caring for others was evident in all that she did. Whether cooking a meal for the family or making something for someone else, she ultimately was a natural giver of her time and talents.

Memorial services will be held at 12:30 PM Friday, September 13, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Beardstown. Pastor Mel Nielsen will officiate, and the Central Illinois Nurse Honor Guard and Beardstown Emblem Club will provide special services. Burial will follow in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 11 AM until the time of services at the church on Friday. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.