THOMAS

Frances Nelline Thomas, 83, died at 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at Riverside Medical Center. Born Sept. 20, 1929, she was a lifelong resident of the Thomas Community.

She was a member of the Thomas First Baptist Church and served as secretary/treasurer for many years. She and her late husband, R.O., were owners and operators of the Thomas Grocery in Thomas for 46 years. She also retired after 46 years as the librarian of the Thomas Branch Library. She was instrumental in donating land and securing funding for the new Thomas Branch Library that was dedicated in her honor during the grand opening ceremony.

“Mrs. Nelline,” as she was fondly remembered, also donated the foundation for the Thomas Community Health Center. She was the longtime treasurer of the Thomas Cemetery. Through the years, she and her husband dedicated much time and effort to maintaining the grounds of the cemetery and she and her family have also donated additional land for its expansion.

A cornerstone of the Thomas Community for 83 years, she was loved by many and known all her life as a hard worker. She was a generous contributor to the community and especially to people in need.

She us survived by a daughter, Dianna Thomas of Thomas; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Dr. Kerry Thomas of Amite and former senator Dr. Jerry and Lou Ann Thomas of Thomas; six grandchildren and spouses, Nancy Nelline Thomas, M.D., and John Boyle, M.D., of Madisonville, Kerry Owen Thomas Jr. of Hammond, Jason Thomas, M.D., of Washington, D.C., Pete and Angela Thomas of Stateline, Lander and Melissa Thomas of Thomas and Joanna Thomas of Baton Rouge; five great-grandchildren, Jon-Ashton and Lily Thomas, and Benjamin, Brooklyn and Elise Boyle; three sisters-in-law, Margie T. Passman of Franklinton, Louise Frazier of Birmingham, Ala., and Melba Rose Thomas of Franklinton.

She was preceded in death by her husband, R.O. Thomas; her son, Ritchie Thomas; two infant children; her parents, James Lacy Thomas and Viola Wood Thomas, a brother James Lander Thomas; and a sister, Phaylor Wood.

Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 3 at Crain Funeral Home from noon until 4 p.m., and will continue on Monday from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Denny Brumfield and Rev. Harold Gaddy offciating. Burial will follow in Thomas Cemetery.

Since she and her husband were active in the care and maintenance of the Thomas Cemetery, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Thomas Cemetery Fund, c/o Van Thomas, 51415 Highway 438, Franklinton, LA 70438.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.