Thelma Fay Julius (94) of rural Beecher City

Thelma Fay Julius, lovingly known as Mother, Grandma Fay, and Great-Grandma Fay, passed away peacefully in her home at The Farm west of Beecher City, on January 18, 2024, after a brief and vicious battle with Myasthenia Gravis. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing.

Fay was born on November 3, 1929, in St. Elmo. She met a handsome Navy man, Karl Julius (deceased) while working at the Busy Bee and shortly after graduating high school they were married in 1947.

All because two people fell in love, Fay leaves behind six children: Ron Julius (Vicki, deceased) of Mt. Zion, Dave Julius (Cindy) of Effingham, Earl Julius (Mary) of Pittsburgh, PA, Lou Ann (Mike) Ellenburg of Easley, SC, Rita Altman (Galen) of Effingham and Rick Julius (Lyn) of Shumway; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Fay was a faithful longtime member of Greenland Baptist Church where she helped in various ministries throughout the years. She especially enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher, nursery keeper, and VBS cookie supplier. At the time of her passing, she was proud to be the oldest member of the church. Through the years, Fay contributed to the community and surrounding area by being the Avon lady, driving a school bus, working at the local grocery, providing in-home daycare for teachers, working at Richardson's greenhouse, baking birthday and wedding cakes, helping with the senior meal program and playing in the Kitchen Band at the Kluthe center. Fay enjoyed practicing random acts of kindness in her neighborhood. Called by friends “an absolute treasure” and “a great neighbor,” she found much delight in delivering homemade doughnuts or cookies to various neighbors as a demonstration of her appreciation for their kindness to her. Providing comfort food, often sloppy joe and soup, for ill or grieving families was a priority for her as well. Fay’s biggest impact by far was on her family. She was the Rock of the family. She loved having family around and enjoyed preparing large meals for family gatherings. She was always eager to host holiday events as well as Sunday dinners. Her specialty consisting of noodles and hot rolls were always devoured. As time passed and the family grew, Fay continued to host second Sunday dinners for all that could come (there were 31 locals). Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas always called for a big feast at The Farm. This tradition continued just weeks ago for Christmas 2023. Grandchildren were often entertained by Grandma Fay with her favorite activities such as blowing bubbles and playing bingo for bubble gum or candy prizes. A legacy Fay leaves behind is sewn into her hand stitched quilts. As an avid seamstress, she created a multitude of quilts over the years. Each child and grandchild was gifted with at least one and often more quilts that Grandma Fay sewed for them. We call them blankets of love and they will provide cherished memories through the years as we wrap up in them for a hug from Grandma Fay.

Fay was the daughter of Clarence and Effie Jenkins whom she joins in heaven. She was also predeceased by siblings Jr. Jenkins, Wanda Lovett, Velma May Donaldson (her twin), Neil Jenkins, and Lawrence Jenkins.

In addition to her children and grands, she is survived by brother, Jim (Earlene) Jenkins, sister, Norma Jolly, sister-in-law, Margie Jenkins, brother-in-law, Bob Donaldson and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at Greenland Baptist Church with Pastor Jim Junge officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery. There will be a meal for family and friends following the burial. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Greenland Baptist Church for missions or to Land Of Lincoln Honor Flight Effingham County. Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City is assisting the family. If you ever visited Fay’s home, you were likely greeted with a hug and received one before leaving. We thank you for being a part of her life and attending her services. Big hugs to all of you from all of us. Family and friends are invited to light a candle or share a story by clicking here.