Jeanne Thomas

With heavy hearts and great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Jeanne T. Thomas, 77, of Rockford, Illinois, who left this world peacefully on September 3, 2025 surrounded by her loving family after a short but courageous battle with Cholangiocarcinoma cancer.

Born on February 27, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois, Jeanne was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony "Tony" Celebron and the late Shirley (Johnson) Celebron. She graduated from Guilford High School with the Class of 1966, where she made lifelong friends and carried a deep love for community that would define her life. Believing strongly in the value of education, Jeanne later earned her Associate's Degree from Rock Valley College - an accomplishment she was deeply proud of.

On October 15, 1966, Jeanne married the love of her life, Robert T. Thomas. Together, they built a marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and service to others. Their bond of nearly six decades was an inspiration to all who knew them.

A lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, Jeanne dedicated more than 18 years as the Director of Children's Ministries. She and Bob ran Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, touching the lives of countless children and families. Jeanne founded the W.O.W. Program (Worship On Wednesday), which brought together songs, puppet shows, dining, and prayer. She also helped establish tutoring outreach programs and created the Summer Safari Program, giving children opportunities for trips to zoos, swimming, and other summer adventures.

Jeanne was a visionary in ministry - writing grants to fund programs, founding Zion Girls to teach neighborhood girls cooking, baking, sewing, and life skills, and organizing the making of holiday cards for the children at Walter Lawson Children's Home. She and her team prepared food baskets for church families and neighbors in need, always serving others with a loving heart. Jeanne and Bob also had the joy of being godparents to many, extending their family through faith.

Her passion for nurturing children extended beyond church walls. Jeanne served as a Girl Scout leader with her dear friends Eloise Anderson and Carol Buestch. Jeanne also devoted years to the Boy Scouts, always encouraging young people to grow in character, kindness, and confidence.

Above all, Jeanne was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She and Robert were blessed with four children: Marc, Paul (Angela), Ahnn Recoy (Tony), and the late Greg Michael Thomas. Jeanne was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and pride. She is also survived by her sister, Tina Stock (Dave); and was preceded in death by her brother, Danny Celebron. She leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who adored her.

The Thomas family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and doctors at UW Madison and OSF Rockford for their dedicated care, and to the Heartland Hospice Team for their loving support and comfort during Jeanne's final days. They also extend a special thank you to the family and friends who faithfully supported Jeanne in her many ministries and programs.

Jeanne's life was a shining example of service, faith, and love. As a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, her legacy continues to live on through the ministries she created, the children she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her light will continue to guide the many hearts she has shaped.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made out to the family, who will distribute them at a later time in Jeanne's honor. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com .