Ollie Thomas

Life Reflections of Mrs. Ollie Fay Thomas

“For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.” Proverbs 3:2

“Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”Proverbs 31:31…

Mrs. Ollie Fay Thomas, born over a century ago on April 16, 1918 in an East Texas town called, Cushing, Texas.  Her parents were the late John Simon and Jewel Baysinger Jones. Most of her school age childhood was spent with her maternal grandparents, Edmond and Emmaline Baysinger who were sharecroppers on the Saner farm in East TX.  Attending school came second to seed time and harvest so she only went as far as the eighth grade.  But by Grace through Faith, she continued her education in the school of wisdom where the Headmaster was none other than God the Father, striving to follow the examples of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as best she could. Her life’s journey took her to Greenville, TX, to West Dallas, and eventually to South Dallas where she was a pillar in her community for over 50 years.  Her passions were cooking, decorating, entertaining, and maintaining an award winning yard.  The Collard greens she grew were so inviting, people often took them without asking.  Her house was the place where many gathered for the best home cooked meals, mouth watering deserts and words of wisdom. From the oldest to the youngest, they all came to Mrs. Thomas’ house. She was employed as a Domestic worker (mostly cooking) in the private home of others.  She took pride in her work and did everything as if she was doing it unto God.

“…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first of great commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38. Mrs. Thomas loved the Lord, she loved her Church, and she loved her Church family.  She united with The Church of the Loving God as a child, remaining a faithful member until the Lord called her home. She was a cheerful giver.  Her support and tithes never ceased.  Her Church family loved her just as much as she loved them. While living miles away the last several years, they checked on her regularly, blessing her with phone calls, cards, and gifts.

“And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself.” Matthew 22:39.  She never overlooked anyone who was in need. Whether they asked for it or not, she was always there to lend a helping hand. Even those who sometimes mistreated her, she blessed over and over again.  For her, feeding the homeless was not about giving them handouts from the front door.  She insisted that they come into her house, sit down at her dining room table, showing them honor and respect, regardless of how they were dressed or the odor that entered in with them.  The grandchildren and some of her great-grands were fortunate enough to witness her kindness toward others.  She made regular visits to the sick, taking them home cooked meals, sometimes cleaning their homes.  She wasn’t a driver, so if the sick were not in walking distance, she called her children or grandchildren for a ride, taking a taxi if necessary.  She was always giving and the more she gave, the more the Lord gave to her.  Like the lady with the vessels of oil, her oil continued to flow.

Mother, “For what thanks can we render to God again for you” 1 Thessalonians 3:9a… A Phenomenal Woman, raising her children to love and respect the Lord, Mrs. Thomas was the perfect Mom for her children. She taught them that obedience to God and Mother was better than sacrifice. She did not spare the rod.  She taught them to work in the church, even as children but to never accept pay for it.  Everyone in the house went to church on Sundays.  Unlike today, no child was left behind.  Even after her children grew up, married, and moved out of her house, it was still the gathering place for Sunday meals and family fellowship, even on holidays. When she made her Sunday morning phone calls and asked if you were going to church, the only acceptable answer was “Yes, Mother.”  She loved her children so much, enough to correct them when they were wrong.  She stood for right, she said what she meant, and she meant what she said.  Her children called her “Blessed,” witnessing the Lord prospering her in all her works and in everything she laid her hands to.

A woman of elegance, she carried herself with an unyielding sense of dignity, never compromising her self-respect. She loved her children and nurtured them well.

Mrs. Ollie Fay Thomas had one child (Willie Pearl Jackson) to precede her in death.  Still covered by her prayers, she leaves to cherish her memories, children:  Robert Blanton (Lutisha) of Desoto, TX, Herman Blanton of Big Sandy, TX, Brenda Morgan (Ray) of Big Sandy, TX, Eddie Thomas Jr. (Pat) of Lancaster, TX, and Peggy Miller (Alonzo) of Louisville, MS.  Her grandchildren were:  Rita Blanton (deceased); Darryl Sally, Regina Sally, LaTonya Hemingway, Gregory Thomas, Derrick Morgan, Michael Blanton (deceased), Kenyail Carr, Michael Thomas, and Kerri Bennett.  She had twenty great-grandchildren, and ten great, great-grandchildren. She was the matriarch of five generations.