Jane Thompson Edel

Lillian Jane Thompson Edel died August 24, 2011 at 10:00 P.M. at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, where she had been a resident for the past 7 months. Jane was born August 5, 1915 in Carlyle, IL to the late James Voodry and Lillian (Pace) Thompson. The family moved out East for 2 years before returning to Illinois and settling in East St. Louis. Jane’s mother died when she was 12 and Jane was brought to Carlyle to live with her aunt, the late Maggie Mead.

She graduated from Carlyle High school in 1933. She was a secretary at the high school until she married Melvin Michael Edel in Carlyle on April 24, 1938. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1990. In addition to her husband, parents and aunt, Mrs. Edel was also preceded in death by her only brother: James Pace Thompson and his wife Fern Crocker Thompson; sister-in-law: Mildred Edel Quarterman and her husband Jack Quarterman; twin grand babies who died at birth and her dear friend Walter Wood.

Survivors include her son: Michael and his wife Margie Stein Edel; her daughter: Marian and Steve Dowdy; 5 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and 2 nieces.

Jane was active in the First United Methodist Church in Carlyle. Through the years she was a member of the Women’s Circle, a former Sunday school teacher, choir member and often supported the music program singing solos for early services. Jane was also active and often held offices in the Woman’s Club, Magazine Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. She volunteered in the Grandparents program, listening to elementary students read. Later she helped with the Reading Link program, teaching adults to read. Above all else, her family and friends brought the greatest joy to her life.

Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle with Pastor Keith Michaels officiating. The interment will follow at the Carlyle Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family at the Frerker Funeral Home in Carlyle on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.

Expressions of sympathy are suggested to the First United Methodist Church.