Joann Thomas

Biography

Joann Thomas, 81, of Whitney quietly slipped away to be with her Lord and Savior on January 18, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 21, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors Chapel in Whitney. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Garden of Memory. Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home.

Born January 26, 1931 in Los Angeles, California, she was the daughter of Lyal and Laura Hill. After surviving a major earthquake at the age of 3 years, her family decided to move to Pasadena, Texas. There she attended schools, graduating from Pasadena High in 1949. While in high school, her favorite class was band, where she earned many medals playing the clarinet in solo competition. She was offered a scholarship, but declined it after meeting the love of her life, Elmoe Thomas. They met at the B&B Café in Pasadena. She turned him down the first few times he offered to buy her burgers, but he finally won her over and they were married eight months later. At the time of her death, they had been married 63 years, 7 months, and 21 days. Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Johnny Thomas; great-grandson, Rusty Hicks; and brother, Bob Hill.

Joann was a housewife and devoted mother of three active boys. After living in Houston for a few years, she and Elmoe moved to Irving.In 1995,following Elmoe's retirement they moved to Whitney. Joann became a member of Prairie Valley Baptist Church and had many friends in her church family. Two of her favorite pastimes were “out fishing” Elmoe and working crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed painting, documenting family history, ceramics and drawing.

Survivors include her husband Elmoe; sons, Richard Thomas and wife, Chere of Whitney and Kenneth Thomas of Farmers Branch; grandson, Donnie Thomas and wife, Colean of Irving; granddaughter, Rachel and husband, Craig Nieting of Mansfield; and two great-granddaughters, Kristen and Marlee Hicks of Mansfield.

Memorials may be made to Whitney Memorial Park, P. O. Box 889, Whitney, Texas 76692 or Prairie Valley Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1668, Whitney, Texas 76692.