Lola Thomas

Lola Young Thomas was born to the union of Trustee and Louise Young on September 14, 1946. She was the second of five children. Her parents and three of her siblings preceded her in death (Berra, Josie and Albert). Also, preceding her in death was one special brother-in-law, Albert Kelsey, two sisters-in-law, Sheila Thomas and Lois Rush, one son-in law, Samuel Williams, and one dear friend, Edna Hayman. Lola’s parents instilled in her the importance of having a relationship with God. She professed her faith in the Lord at the early age of 11. She was Born Again and Baptized under the leadership of the late, Rev. Sherman Glover. Lola loved to sing and was active in the choir and a member of a singing group. (The Montgomery Singers.) Lola later joined Circle of Light Church under the leadership of Rev. Jeff Johnson, Jr. She loved her Pastor and her church family. She was involved in many programs catering to the youth. She found joy in serving as one of the leaders of the Junior and Intermediate Choir. She was a dutiful member. She had a genuine passion to work with children. She was honored and thankful to serve in any capacity she could. Lola was educated in the St. Louis Public School System. She graduated from Soldan High School in 1964. She went on to obtain a BA Degree in Elementary Education with High School Certification from Harris Stowe State College. She was an advocate for education and furthered her studies at Webster University earning a Master’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with an emphasis on curriculum. Later, she earned her Master’s +30 certification from Northeast Missouri State University. In 1969, Lola married and from this union, three children were born, Robert, Debra and Lynn. Lola was an exemplary mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to tell stories about her family and especially her grandkids. As her parents did, she also taught her childr Lola taught in the St. Louis Public School System for 22 years. In 1990, she transferred to the Ferguson-Florissant School District where she taught at Walnut Grove Elementary. In 1991, she was named Teacher of the Year for this district. This came with great honor due to the fact that she was the first African American to hold this title. She later accepted a position at Cool Valley Elementary where she worked until she retired. She was a veteran teacher and education consultant for over 50 years. Lola loved to write songs, poems and short stories. Within recent months, she co-wrote and published several children’s books. She never met a stranger. She loved and would help anyone. She was always so selfless and compassionate. She saw the good in everyone. She not only taught love, she lived it. Even during her illness, she left her children with a list of people to look after and take care of. On April 1, 2023, God called His child to his beautiful rest and eternal life. She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving son ~ Robert Thomas; two devoted daughters ~ Debra and Lynn; eight grandchildren ~ Cameron, Danielle, Brittany (Clayton), Rachael, Isaiah, Pheadra, Taylor and Aneeva; five great-grandchildren ~ Mason, Carter, Alayah, Zion and Braylen; one sister ~ Graceanna Brew (Lamar); one daughter-in-law ~ Pheadra Thomas; one brother-in-law ~ Harold Thomas; one sister-in-law ~ Gail Young of Skokie, Illinois; one bonus son ~ Anthony Speed; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, cherished relatives, students, life-long friends, a special person who was like a daughter, Sandra Wood; and a dear friend, Ms. Helen Quinn.

Tributes

Lola Thomas

September 14, 1946 - April 1, 2023