Elizabeth J. Thomas' Obituary
ELIZABETH J. THOMAS, 90, of Memphis, died peacefully January 1, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Solomon and Alta Roddy. She grew up in Grand Chain, IL and Pickwick, TN, graduating from Shiloh School. She had the heart of an artist and was a lifelong student, graduating from Shelby State Community College in 1982 and the University of Memphis in 1993, continuing to take classes well into her 80s. For most of her life she was an active member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church.She is preceded in death by her husband, Elbert Thomas, Sr., son Greg Thomas, son-in-law Tony Simmons, and daughter-in-law Myra Thomas. She is survived by her son Eb Thomas of Memphis; daughters Allison Totten (Roger) of Bella Vista, AR, Elizabeth “Boo” Gardo (Gary) of Memphis; Lydia Simmons of Newark, AR; daughter-in-law Debby Thomas of Germantown, TN; grandchildren Matthew Totten (Lenora) of Springdale, AR, Zachary Thomas (Jim) of Memphis, Kathryn Thomas of Costa Mesa, CA, and Anthony Simmons of Little Rock, AR; and great-grandchildren Sarah Kate and Barrett Totten of Springdale, AR.The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 3, 2016 from 3 pm – 5 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119; with memorial services immediately following on-site at 5 pm.She will be remembered as a woman of humble faith, an avid reader and collector of books, a crossword enthusiast, a sculptor, a lover of animals, and as the matriarch of a house full of love, life, and laughter.The family requests that any memorials be sent to the University of Memphis Foundation.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery…. “Celebrating Life…..behind the stone wall”
What’s your fondest memory of Elizabeth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elizabeth?
Share a story where Elizabeth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elizabeth you’ll never forget.
How did Elizabeth make you smile?