"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." Revelation 14:13

Miss Shirley Marie Thomas, 75, was born to John V and Mary K. Thompson Thomas on November 21, 1944.

Shirley was a 1963 graduate of H. B. Pemberton High School. She attended Los Angeles Community College and was a graduate of Kilgore College with a degree in Cosmetology. She worked as a cosmetologist in both Longview and Marshall areas and served as a private sitter until health problems caused her to retire.

Shirley had a warm friendly smile and loving disposition amongst her friends and all those with whom she would come in contact. She never met a stranger. Her friendly disposition and he willingness to help others will always be remembered. She called and treated all of her nieces and nephews as her own children.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, JoAnn Thomas; one brother, John Alfred ("Little Brother, Little John") Thomas; step-father, Jimmy Jenkins, Sr.; and one nephew, Derrick Wilson.

Shirley is survived by her sister, Gloria (Henry) Wilson of Marshall, TX; brother, Jimmy "Pill Boy" (Mary) Jenkins, Jr. of Matteson, IL; nieces, Tanika Green, Roshonda Johnson, LaTasha Bailey, LaTasha Morris, Shena Jenkins Rhonda Reed, Briana Thomas and Pamela Russell; nephews;, Malcolm Thomas Darrell Wilson, Corey Hicks, Kevin Russell and Christon Chandler; a special great niece, Jasmine Biggs; several great-great nieces and nephews; special cousins, Blinda J. Humble and Janice Faye Williams; other nephews, relatives, and friends.