Nellie Mae Thomas was born on January 2, 1935 in Ore City, Texas to the parents of the late Rev. Elmo Hollins and Mattie Louise Miles Hollins. Nellie attended school and graduated high school in the Ore City, Texas area. Later, attended and graduated from Hurd's Beauty College in Marshall, Texas. Nellie received her license from the State Board of Texas.

Nellie was first married in 1953 to Hartford Dunn where six children were born. Nellie worked at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas before working at Thiokol Ammunition Plant in Karnack, Texas where she retired. Nellie united with Second Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas in the early 60's where she remained a faithful member. She sung in the choir and served on the usher board and was the president. She loved cooking, knitting, making quilts, watching westerns, growing plants and doing word and crossword puzzles.

Nellie was united in marriage with Robert Thomas in 1993 until his death in 2002. Also, a daughter, Sharon Caldwell preceded her in death. Nellie died on May 15, 2023 at Methodist Charlton Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Nellie leaves to cherish her memory 5 children, 3 daughters, Sandra Morris, Beryl Dunn and Audrey Thomas (Anthony) all of Dallas, Texas; 2 sons, Donald Dunn (Pamela) of Marshall, Texas and Victor Dunn (Lillie) of Dallas, Texas; 12 step-children; 2 sisters, Alma Gibson of Dallas, Texas and Cassandra Hollins of Ore City, Texas; 3 brothers, Esco Hollins of Kansas City Kansas, Mark Hollins (Patty) of Tyler, Texas and Eddie Hollins of Longview, Texas; Nellie has 54 grandchildren including step-grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and 15 great, great grandchildren; 1 uncle, R. T. Miles (Tessie) of Ore City, Texas; a host of nieces ,nephews and friends. A special friend, Lillie Patterson of Marshall, Texas.