Joann Thomas of McCorkle, WV departed her earthly dwelling to be with the Lord on Monday, April 30, 2018. She was a patient at Hubbard Hospice House. She was born at McCorkle on May 10, 1920 and would have been 98 at her birthday.
Joann was the daughter of the late John Henry and Laurette Smith Armstrong. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Oscar Thomas; four brothers and their wives, Callie (Delia), Foster (Nellie), Harvey (Vercie), and Jackson; four sisters and their husbands, Reva (George) Atkins, Geneva, Lula (Art) Talada and Fancy (Fred) Dunlap; and by four sons-in-law.
The Lord blessed her with 97 wonderful years. Joann and Oscar were long time faithful servants of the Lord at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church. She was a strong and compassionate woman and served her community by aiding and transporting friends and neighbors in need. Joann worked for the Department of Human Services making a home for mentally challenged ladies until she was nearly 90 years old. She had a heart for service.
She was loved and respected by all who knew her and was thought of as a Godly woman. Joann loved spending time in past years outdoors gardening, camping, and fishing. She was an amazing homemaker and a wonderful cook. She was well known for all of her canned goods.
Joann leaves behind seven children to cherish and honor her memory Madeline (James) Roberts, Ethel (Elzie) Miller, Lorraine (Paul) Smith-Jones, Lowell Jim (Sharon) Thomas, Evelyn (Eugene) Ball, Ella (John) Hensley and Barbara (David) McCallister. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 18 great great grandchildren. She adored her family and the grandchildren who were the light of her life.
Service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at McCorkle Freewill Baptist Church, Sod, with Pastors Isaiah Hatfield and Bub Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Thomas Family Cemetery in Sumerco.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Joann’s memory be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387.