Lillian E Thomas

Lillian E. Jefferies Thomas was the first of three children born of the marriage union of Robert and Ethel Jefferies. Lillian was born on November 3, 1928 in Ripley, Mississippi where she attended elementary and high school.

Lillian was joined in marriage to Willie Lee (Bill) Thomas on August 18, 1946. They were married for nearly fifty-two years until Bill preceded her in death on July 6, 1998.  To this union six children were born: Oliver C. Thomas (Nikki), Derrick A. Thomas (predeceased), Frederick A. Thomas (Sandra) (predeceased), Deborah E. Rowe (Richard), Janice M. Thomas, W. Eric Thomas (predeceased) (Vicki).

Lillian and Bill left Ripley to live in Chicago, Illinois for over thirty years. There she often took care of the neighbor’s children and had a hand in the caring for her many grandchildren. She always had a funny story to share about something one of them said. Lillian’s grand children: Pam Porter (Thomas), Frederick A.  Thomas Jr., Adam Thomas (Michelle), Devone Thomas, Troy Thomas (Demelva), Dahana Zamora (Hans), Monte Thomas, Damon Howell, Joi Thomas (predeceased), Denesha Howell, Antione Thomas, Valene Thomas, Deleyse Rowe, Roderick Thomas, Renard Rowe, Dominique Thomas, Erica Thomas, Trashun Thomas.  Lillian and Bill returned to live in Ripley in 1987. 

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022 Lillian peacefully departed this life in her home.

Lillian leaves to cherish her memories her children, her grandchildren, a host of great and great-great grandchildren, her sister Gladys Martin of Chicago, Illinois, her aunt Eva Garland of Chicago, Illinois, first cousin Lorenzo Jefferies and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 18, 2022, from 12 pm-7 pm with the family present from 5 pm-7 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home in Ripley, MS. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11 am at St. Paul UMC in Ripley, MS. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Ripley Cemetery in Ripley, MS. 

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