Barbara Thomure

Barbara Ann Thomure, 89, of Bunker Hill, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home with her family present on September 8, 2026. Barbara Ann was born on November 18, 1936, in Bunker Hill, Illinois to George and Doris (Young) Williamson.

Barbara was well known in the Bunker Hill Community. Her connection to the community never waned extending into her twilight years. Her school years developed many life-long friendships and enabled her to achieve honors in High School as a Cheerleader, Majorette for the High School Band and being crowned Homecoming Queen. Growing up in Bunker Hill gave Barbara an opportunity to find local positions in many areas of the community. Her first taste of employment was as a teenager working at the Dairy Queen (Village Drive inn) for one summer. After graduating from Bunker Hill High School {BHHS}, she worked for Doerr's AG Grocery Store doing whatever was needed. An opening for a nurse assistant at the office of Dr. George Hess became available and she accepted it. She was later employed at the Whitfield Insurance Agency as a secretary then finished her career at the Bunker Hill National Bank (UCB). Aside from working, Barbara was able to involve herself in her many interests which included (but not limited to) sewing, flowers, and ceramics as well as being an active member of the First Congregational Church.

Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Marvin Hilyard, on 6/11/1960. They were together for over 25 years. He preceded her in death. She later married Rev. W. Howard Thomure of Swansea, Illinois, on 6/15/1991. In Howard’s retirement, he led a small church in Lenzburg, Illinois. Barbara divided her time in Swansea with spending days, nights and weekends in Bunker Hill maintaining her “Hometown” connections. Her time spent with Howard’s sons’ (Mark, Greg and Craig) families, were also very fulfilling as she watched the grandchildren “grow up” and have their own children. Barbara and Howard relished their travels throughout the states in their RV. They shared 31 years of marriage. Howard preceded her in death on November 27, 2021.

She is survived by her two sisters, Mary Jane Duke of Monette, Arkansas, Carole (Larry) Shelton of Ballwin, Missouri, a cousin, R. Terry Young of Bunker Hill and 3 nieces, Kristina Johnson, Jennifer Springer and Emily Greathouse and her friends, which now includes Mary Lou Hokenson (and family) who started out as her caretaker and became a very close friend.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm with funeral services to follow at the funeral home at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Bunker Hill Cemetery where Barb will be laid to rest next to her parents. Keeping with her passion for animals, memorials may be made to Adopt A Pet, Benld, Illinois. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, 875 S. Washington St., Bunker Hill, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

Obit Provided By:
Kravanya Funeral Homes