Thelma Elaine Bennett, 96, of Herrin and formerly of Corinth, passed away at 8:10 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2020 at her residence with her loving family and caregivers by her side. Thelma was born October 9, 1923 in Mattawan, Michigan to Nicholas and Ilda (Hunter) Dekema. Her mother died when Thelma was just a young girl. Her step-mother, Edith later became a wonderful mother to Thelma. She married James C. Bennett on January 4, 1947 in Hobart, Indiana. Together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage together, before he preceded her in death on December 4, 2016. Thelma had a full life and wore many “hats” during her life. In addition to raising her six children, she worked the family farm. She also worked as an election official, and drove school buses in Williamson County. Thelma is survived by her children, Terry (Sandy) Bennett of Paulton, Cathy (Bob) Savant of Saddlebrook, MO., Melody (Paul) York of Herrin, Toby (Gay) Bennett of Johnston City, Tammy (Harry) Mostafa of Las Vegas, NV., and Penny Richison of Johnston City; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; one sister, Clara June Wiley and a sister-in-law, Shirley Fleming. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. The family wanted to thank Thelma’s caregivers, Shelly Owens, Valerie Kennedy, Rita Sloan, Michele Vaughn and Linda Haden. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother; grandson, Jarred Bennett; sister, Aleda Keller and two brothers, Orlin and Wilbur Dekema. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2020 at Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City with Rick Ditch officiating. Interment will follow in the Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Pyle Funeral Home in Johnston City is entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home. For additional information or to sign the book of memories, please visit www.pylefuneralhome.com.