Nelia 'Cathy' Thomason

Nelia Carter Thomason, most affectionately known as Cathy, fought her final earthly battle on Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024, in her hometown of Danville, Illinois at age 76.

Born to the late Marjorie Helen and Jack Henry Carter, Sr. on July 18, 1947, Cathy was a lifelong resident of Danville. She loved her family intensely and was the eldest child in the "Flying Carter" family; sister to Cindy (David) Weaver and Jack H. Carter, Jr.

Cathy attended Cannon School and she loved to reminisce by singing the Cannon School Song, of which she remembered every lyric. She also attended Roselawn Grade School and North Ridge before graduating Danville High School in 1965. Cathy earned her nursing degree at the Deaconess School of Nursing/Evansville University after which she became a dedicated and highly respected Registered Nurse at her beloved Lakeview Memorial Hospital.

Fondly labeled an "old-school" nurse, Cathy served in the ICU, as the Head ER Nurse, House Supervisor, and Director of Nursing. She retired from nursing in 2014. Her passion for patient care touched many lives over her 45-year career.

Cathy married her former spouse Larry J Thomason, September 21, 1967. Together they had two children and her love extended to their sons, Jay (Dara) Thomason and Scott (Lalaina) Thomason who will forever cherish her as a caring, selfless, supportive mother who encouraged them to pursue their dreams. Scott had a special nickname for Cathy whom he most often called Mamasan.

Her four grandchildren, Isaac, Brendon, Ella Sadie and Greyson love and will miss their treasured Grammie who showered each of them with true kindness and affection.

Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and most recently her cherished uncle, Earl E. Rumbaugh, Jr., as well as many other uncles, aunts and cousins, all of whom she adored. In addition to her siblings, children and grandchildren, Cathy is survived by several nieces and nephews including Brad, Bryan, Blake and Mandy Weaver, Nicholas and Christopher Carter, and her friend and companion Timothy Troester and his son Charlie.

Cathy is also survived by a large extended family including Ralph (Diane, dec.) Thomason, Joy Jenkins, Katie DeSchaaf and Jeff (Laura) Thomason and their respective families.

As a child, Cathy enjoyed horseback riding and spending time at her grandparents farm. In a special recollection, Cathy would smile and tell of how her parents arrived at her elementary school in a horse-drawn sleigh to gather her and her sister during a particularly bad snowstorm.

In the late 1950s-early 60s her family flew together in their Beechcraft Bonanza, piloted by her father, and earning the "Flying Carters" moniker.

Cathy will always be remembered for enthusiastically cheering her boys Tornado football teams, Legion baseball teams and Schlarman athletics. An avid reader, she played a mean game of Boggle and loved her crossword puzzles and cowboy movies.

Cathy graced many with her talent as a pianist and hosted years of family Thanksgiving dinners and July 4th cookouts to watch the Legion fireworks. Baking cookies with her mom and sister was one of her most treasured Christmas season traditions.

Cathy spent many summers camping with her family and friends at Indian Springs Farm where she enjoyed countless late-night fires and UNO games. Later in life she trekked to the UP with her companion Timothy to marvel at the outdoors.

Often-times Cathy simply enjoyed a walk around the neighborhood with her sons just talking, planning and reminiscing creating cherished lifelong memories with both.

A Celebration of Life for Cathy will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June 8, 2024, with Clay Woodard officiating at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion Street Danville, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9AM-10AM Saturday, June 8, 2024, at the funeral home. Her life celebration will continue Saturday afternoon at Kennekuk County Park at one of her favorite local spots, the Mallard Point Shelter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Cathy's name to:

Yellowdog Watershed Society, Big Bay, MI, https://yellowdogwatershed.org/donation

Vermilion County Conservation Foundation, Danville, IL, https://www.vccfoundation.info/donate

Lakeview College of Nursing, Danville, IL, 217.709.0920 checkout.authorize.net/payment/CatalogPayment.aspx

Deaconess School of Nursing, Evansville, IN, https://www.deaconess.com/For-You/Donors-and-Volunteers/Ways-to-Give/Nursing-Scholarships

Services Visitation Saturday June 8, 2024 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Celebration of Life Saturday June 8, 2024 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834