She was born May 8, 1936 in Peoria to Earl Otto and Vera Luella (Son) Shemel. Her parents preceded her in death. She also was preceded in death by one son, Scott W. Brooks and one brother.
Thelma is survived by three sons, Dale Brown, Steve Brown and Keith Brooks and one daughter, Debbie Fabian
She worked as a CNA for many years at Apostolic Christian Restmor in Morton and retired at age 71. She started her career at the Hopedale Nursing Home.
She was of the protestant faith.
Private burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
