Elmira Peggy Thomas' Obituary
Elmira P. Thomas Elmira Peggy Young was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 21, 1948 to Ruby Young and Clarence Johnson. Both parents and her loving step-father, Dewey Robertson, preceded her in death. Elmira was educated in the St. Louis Public School System. At an early age she was baptized and attended Sunday services with her mother. Elmira received her nickname, “Chicken,” from her grandmother, the late Cora Hampton, when she was very young. Many friends and family only knew her as Chicken. Chicken met the love of her life, Nathaniel Thomas, in 1965. They were married in January of 1966 and through the years, their love for each other produced three children. Nay and “Mira,” as he lovingly called Elmira, were married for 53 years. Chicken described herself as a wife, mother and cook. Chicken taught crafts to seniors and children. She taught children and adults how to cook. She learned how to cater large events from her mother, and she passed on that knowledge to the “youngins” who were willing to learn. Elmira worked at Greeley Community Center and Evangelic Children’s Home for many years. In her last job, she worked at Ascension - St. Paul School as the Kitchen Manager. The students often commented on how good the food was. Chicken made time for any family member or friend in need. Over the course of many years, Chicken opened her home to not only family members but to others in need of a place to live when they were in need. Chicken loved listening to music, dancing and playing Bid Wiz and darts. If there was a party going on, Chicken was most likely the one who had prepared, if not all, most of the food. Chicken peacefully transitioned from this life at home on the morning of March 16, 2025. Chicken didn’t want sadness at her passing. Instead, she requested a party be held and a good time be had in her honor. Elmira leaves to cherish her in loving memory: one daughter ~ Rochell; two sons ~ Nathaniel Jr. (Kimberly) and Derrick; one daughter-in-law ~ Crystal; one godson ~ Darren Robinson; four grandchildren ~ Heather Thomas, Nyla Brimer, Derrick Thomas, II and Davin Thomas; one great-granddaughter ~ Niyah Thomas; one special cousin/sister ~ Dorothy Tolbert; cousin/daughter ~ Carolyn (Andrew) Tolbert Frey; two special friends ~ Artie Harris and Catherine Oldham; dear friend ~ Johnny Bailey; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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