Cecelia ‘Joan’ Thurman-Boyer, 78, Festus

Cecelia “Joan” Thurman-Boyer of Festus, 78, died Feb. 12, 2024. Mrs. Thurman-Boyer was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Crystal City. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary #2593 and the American Legion Auxiliary #253. Born June 11, 1945, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Floyd Margaret (Carr) and James L. Vessell.

She was preceded in death by her first husband: Roland S. Thurman; and her second husband: Homer Lee “Chigger” Boyer.

She is survived by three daughters: Theresa (Thomas) Russo of Pevely, Donna M. (James D.) Christopher and Deborah M. Smith of Festus; 10 grandchildren: Amanda Dobbs, Sarah Thurman, Nicholas Rinehart, Ryan (Brandy) Christopher, Evan (Tasha) Christopher, Emily (Kyle) Patton, Amber Smith, Tiffany Smith, Abigail (Brendon) Ochs, and Hannah (Dylan) Morgan; and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two siblings: Donald (the late Evelyn) Vessell and Lonnie E. Vessell.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until service at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W Main, in Festus. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, DAV or the Wounded Warrior Project. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.