Selma Thompson

Selma Thompson of Springfield, 86, passed away February 19, 2014 at her home. She was born January 28, 1928, in Waterville, ME, the daughter of David and Tamamie Joseph. She was one of 22 siblings born into a large, Christian Lebanese family that she was very proud of. Selma was a very strong willed independent lady and proudly served our country as a WAVE in the US Navy from 1952-1955, where she met her husband of 54 years, Donald G. Thompson. Selma and Don had a large family themselves with a total of five children; Derek (Sheila) Thompson of Illiopolis, Donald R. Thompson, Donna (Craig) Carpentier of Cantrall, Dara (John) Strode of Springfield and Darcie (James) Newman of Phoenix, AZ. She had 8 grandchildren, 7 surviving and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald G. Thompson; her son, Donald R. Thompson; her granddaughter, Amber Strode; her brothers, Joe Dave, Elias, James, John D., Alfred, Naseeb, and Phillip; and her sisters, Lena Fotter, Julia Campion, Marianne Perry, Madeline Joseph, and Celia John. She has two surviving siblings, Tony Joseph of Waterville, ME and Josie Lafley of Harrisonburg, VA. Selma loved playing bingo and could be found Sunday's at the VFW for years. She was also an amazing cook, although she would never acknowledge or take credit for it. She prepared many Lebanese family meals with love and created many memories of fun family dinners. She was the ultimate hostess with a cold drink, a cup of coffee, and a sweet or two always on hand. Hospitality was her gift as she welcomed everyone and always made her guests feel at home. Her homemade pita bread was the best there was and when combined with tabbouleh, lentils, kibbee, cabbage or grape leaves, there was nothing better. Selma will always be remembered with love and memories of good times. Funeral Mass: 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry, Springfield with Rev. Robert J. Jallas, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Dept. of Defense and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.