Mrs. Joan M. “Ginger” Thurman, 91, of Abingdon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 7:52 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Knox County Nursing Home.
Born on December 7, 1934, in Galesburg, Illinois, Ginger was the daughter of Lawrence and Josephine (Guardalabene) Cotton. She was raised in Galesburg and graduated from Galesburg High School with the Class of 1952. On August 27, 1955, she married the love of her life, Clarence O. “Doodles” Thurman, in Galesburg. Together they built a loving home in Abingdon and shared 70 wonderful years of marriage, creating a lifetime of cherished memories with their family.
Left to treasure her memory are her devoted husband, Clarence of Abingdon; her son, Todd Thurman of Shaftsbury, Vermont; her daughter, Traci (Mark) Brown of Abingdon; and five beloved grandchildren and three great grandchildren, who were a constant source of pride and joy in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Sam and Dale.
For many years, Ginger owned and operated the former ABBY Car Wash, where she was well known throughout the community. While she enjoyed her work, her greatest accomplishment was the love and care she devoted to her family. She was a dedicated wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother who found her greatest happiness in caring for those she loved. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family will be remembered by all who knew her.
A woman of deep faith, Ginger was a longtime and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abingdon. She generously gave of her time and talents to her parish and was an active member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her faith was the foundation of her life and was reflected in the compassion and generosity she extended to others.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Rev. William Miller. The Rosary will be prayed at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Abingdon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the John Mosser Public Library or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services, Abingdon Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
