Ms. Shirley Ann Thomas

Shirley Ann Thomas entered this world on November 28, 1952, and departed on July 10, 2026. She was the third of ten children born to the late Ruby Nell Thomas and Willie Thomas Jr. in Gammonville, a rural agricultural community in Crittenden County, Arkansas, just outside the county seat of Marion. She was known as “Ann” to her immediate family. Ann accepted Christ at an early age, faithfully followed His teachings, and remained active in church throughout her life. She attended Phelix and Marion schools, graduating from Marion High School in 1971. After graduation, Ann joined the Job Corps, where she received training that prepared her for a successful career in banking and, later, in public service. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri, to join her sister, Ruby Jewel, and made Kansas City her home for more than 50 years. In 2025, she retired from the Internal Revenue Service after years of dedicated service. Ann had a caring heart and a gift for making friends wherever she went. Many of her childhood friendships lasted a lifetime. She dearly loved her family and was often the first to lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need. Her kindness extended beyond her family to neighbors and friends; she frequently visited local food banks to pick up groceries and personally delivered them to those who needed assistance, quietly serving others with compassion and generosity. Those preceding her in death include her parents, Ruby Nell and Willie Thomas Jr.; her beloved daughter, Litonya; her sister, Dorothy Parnell; her nephews, Kevin Thomas Sr. and Delshawn Parnell and other extended family members. Left to cherish Ann’s memory are her sisters, Ruby J. Thomas, Lillie Stevens, Gladys Sims (Charles), Hazel Thomas, and Linda Thomas; her brothers, Leroy Thomas, Lee Thomas (Brenda), and James Thomas (Brandy); her nephews, Zachary Thomas (Carol), Cameron (aka Camp) Parnell, and Lee (Drew) Thomas II; her nieces, LeAndrea Thomas Bruce (Sam), Lauren Stevens Okafor (Marvin), Carissa Sims, and Lana Stevens; her aunts, Shirley Pulphus, Ruthie Scott, and Ora Slack; her uncle, Bill (Rosalind); her brother-in-law, Andrew Parnell and a host of other treasured relatives and friends. While our hearts are saddened, we find comfort in knowing that Ann is safely in God's care, trusting Him to heal our broken hearts. Her loving spirit, generous heart, and cherished memories will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Funeral services Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00am at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ. Interment XII Gates Memorial Gardens. Visitation 10:00a,m.-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Homes & Cremation. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Shirley Ann Thomas

November 28, 1952 - July 10, 2026