Thelma L Brilley's Obituary
Decatur, IL- Thelma L. Brilley of Decatur, IL passed away on July 16, 2015 at Aspen Creek, Sullivan, IL.
Thelma was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. She married the love of her life, Robert J. Brilley, Sr. on January 29, 1940. They were married sixty-nine years. He preceded her in death on March 3, 2009. They were a true team in their marriage and set a wonderful example for their children.
She will be so deeply missed by her son, Robert (Bob) Brilley II, daughters, Sandra, (Sandy) Jennings, Susanne (Susie) Peck and her husband Jim, who mother loved dearly. All of Decatur, IL, Cecelia (Cel) Heinrich, O’Fallon, IL, Linda (Raupp) Brilley (daughter-in-law) Decatur, and Patrick Bucknam, O’Fallon, IL, Ron Jennings, Decatur, and Roger Heinrich.
Grandchildren: Tina Ielase and husband Tony, Krystal Dawson, Ashley Jennings, Amy Fortae, Celeena West and husband Michael, Shane Brilley and wife Amy, Jimmy Peck and wife Lisa and Jerry Peck and wife Tahnee, Tina Lynette Garrett and husband Doug and Ronnie Jennings, also nine-teen great-grandchildren.
Mother was reunited in heaven with her husband, Bob, daughter, Barb Brilley and son-in-law, Tom Roney, Sherry (Fitzgerald) Wright, and faithful companion, Maggie the Maltese.
Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 2100 N. Union Street. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with mass following. Father Richard Weltin and Deacon Kevin Richardson will preside over the service. Burial will be in Graceland/Fairlawn Cemetery and conclude with the “Flight Home” ceremony.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church or the Macon County Senior Center.
Thelma graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and met the love of her life walking home from school when a friend from St. Teresa introduced her to Bob Brilley, and the rest was history! What a wonderful life they had and they enjoyed so many friends, Miles and Paula Schnaer, Don and Alice Fehrenbach and Pat and Ann Dawson were very special people in their lives plus the “Brilley Boys” as they called themselves at Miles Chevrolet. Jerry Pressley, one of the boys always was there for mother after daddy passed. We knew mother would be receiving flowers on all special occasions from Jerry. How blessed we children were to have been blessed by such a wonderful, giving and caring mother, she was our go to person, she deeply loved her family.
We would like to thank Dr. Dennis Rademacher and his awesome staff, Theresa Crawford and her unbelievable staff at Aspen Creek, Sullivan, IL, the awesome staff of Primrose, especially Doug Durbin, Harbor Lights Hospice, Andrea, Sandra and their staff.
Mother was truly blessed with unbelievable care and love from all of them. To all of you we send a special Thank you.
The family of Thelma Brilley is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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