Thelma Chamberlain

Thelma Chamberlain, 88, of Galesburg, died Sunday June 3, 2012 at Seminary Manor. Thelma was born January 17, 1924 in Elco, the daughter of Elmer C. and Rhetta (Bennefiel) West.  She married Delbert C. McCommons in 1941.  He preceded her in death in 1972.  Thelma later married Dickie Chamberlain in Knoxville in 1980.  Thelma is survived by her husband, Dickie of Galesburg; two sons, Bob (Barb) McCommons of Knoxville and Dave (Lisa) McCommons of Galesburg; and one daughter, Margaret Burger of Dahinda.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Julie Barth, Michelle Berrios, Rob McCommons, Curt McCommons, Katie Perez, Patrick McCommons, Erin Stevenson, and Lauren Grabill; and 13 great grandchildren.  Thelma was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrel and Clifford West. Thelma owned and operated I and I Grocery in Oneida and Galesburg for many years with her husband, Delbert.  She also worked at Mitchell’s Dress shop in Oneida for several years.  She last worked as a greeter at East Main St. Hy-Vee in Galesburg.  Aside from working Thelma was also a homemaker, a member of First Christian Church,  a Girl Scout Leader, St. Jude Volunteer, and a member of O.A.K.S.  She loved walking at Lake Storey where she could enjoy one of her hobbies, bird watching.  In her free time she loved to garden, spend time with her grandchildren and eat large amounts of ice cream.  She had also enjoyed family trips to Canada to go fishing. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Watson Funeral Home.  Burial of ashes will follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society.