Rachel Thomas

Rachel Thomas was born on August 8, 1926 to the late Andy and Laura (Hall) Adams in Marvell, Arkansas. And departed this earthly journey on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at the age of 97 years old. 

She accepted Christ as her Lord and Personal Savior at an early age, and was baptized at Mt. Shelby Missionary Baptist Church, in Marvell, Arkansas and she remained faithful to her Lord and Savior!

She was united in holy matrimony to Leroy Thomas, Sr. in April 1945 in Marvell, Arkansas and to this union seven children were born. One thing above all others, Rachel loved her family. She was an amazing wife, and an awesome mother.

She relocated to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church with her husband and family under the leadership of several pastors. Her current Pastor is Pastor Sean Daniels. Rachel remained a faithful servant of Christ, and was a dedicated member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church until the time of her passing.

Rachel was a loyal Christian and remained involved in doing the work God had called her to do for many decades. During her service at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, she was a committed member, serving her God and her congregation. Rachel was dedicated and served in the following ministries in her church: She was the President of the Food Committee, Usher, Choir Member, and the oldest member at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Her career spanned over 25 years at Cedar Lodge Nursing Home. She was a natural caregiver and loved helping people. There her kindness was felt and known by many.

Rachel was a member of the Eastern Star. She loved engaging in crossword puzzles with her fellow senior citizens.

The congregation at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church presented Mother Thomas at the age of 97, as the member with the most Golden years. Her beautiful smile and cheerful mood brightened a room wherever she went.  Her faith was very strong and she was sincerely devoted to serving the Lord. The Mt. Olive Church Family will greatly miss Mother Rachel Thomas and her memory will live on forever in our hearts.

Rachel leaves to cherish her memory, her loving children: Herman (Paulette) and Leroy (Beverly) Thomas of St. Louis, MO; Beatrice (Rev. Dr. Roy L.) Manning, Sr. of Saginaw, MI; Rev. Leatrice Holmes of Henderson, KY; Helen Thomas of Marvell, AR; and Donald (Sandy) Thomas of Conway, AR.

Eleven grandchildren including, Darryl &Willie Jr. Holmes, Showna & Herman Thomas, Jr., Shauntel & Roy Manning, Jr., Michael & Chad Neely, KaTrina, Brandon, and Ashley Thomas. Rachel was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

A very special friend Rosie Lee Hoskins, very special neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. David (Dooney) Herred, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family and friends that she loved dearly and she reciprocated that love to all.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents Andy & Laura (Hall) Adams, her husband, Leroy Thomas, Sr., two sisters Leona Adams-Johnson and Louise Adams-Collins, one daughter Quencie Neely, and one granddaughter Venisha Manning-Combs, and a host of family and friends too numerous to count.  

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