Sherry "Jean" Thomas

Jean, 65, passed away Wednesday November 2, 2011 of complications of COPD at home with her loving husband, Ora L. Thomas, of 49 years and her family by her side. Jean was 16 years old and Ora was 17 years old when they met. Everyone said it would never work, but it did. We know she is now fishing with her beloved grandson, Austin Bacon, whom preceded her in death.

Jean was born to Darrell and Lavina Willard on November 11, 1945 and had lived in Des Moines all her life where she was a homemaker. Jean raised four kids and three grand kids and loved them all. Also she helped Ora with their used car dealership, Thomas Used Cars, where she was the title clerk for 20 years. Along with managing many rental properties, she loved people and the different jobs.

Jean most enjoyed taking the kids and grandkids fishing. She also enjoyed playing bingo, riding mules, gardening, or just crocheting.

Jean is survived by her husband, Ora Lee; children, Kendall (Dianne) Thomas of Altoona, Vernon “Nog” Thomas, Ann Marie “Sis” Thomas, and Michael (Andrea) Thomas, all of Pleasant Hill; grandchildren, Ora Thomas, Danielle Thomas, Colton Thomas, Ashley Bacon, Austin Bacon (living with God), Hayley Bacon, Jocelyn Thomas, Camryn Thomas, all of Pleasant Hill; great-grandchildren, Baiya and Braiden Battani, also of Pleasant Hill; mother, Lavina Willard; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Thomas, both of Pleasant Hill; sisters, Luella “Tiny” (Joe) Anderson of Pleasant Hill, Sandra (Denny) Edwards of Kingstone, Tennesee, and Linda Robbins of West Des Moines; sisters-in-law, Bev and Joan Thomas; brother-in-law, Melvin (Debbie) Thomas, all of Pleasant Hill; many nieces, nephews, family and beloved friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her father, Darrell Willard; father-in-law, Vernon Thomas; brother, Leroy Willard; and the grandson she worshipped, Austin Bacon.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday November 5, 2011 at Woodland Hills Church of Christ, 2484 SE 68th Street, Pleasant Hill, with burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. The family will receive friends Friday November 4, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s, Ronald McDonald House, or Leukemia Foundation in memory of Austin Bacon.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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