Lola Thomas' Obituary
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Lola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lola?
Share a story where Lola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lola you’ll never forget.
How did Lola make you smile?