Eria Mae Thomas was born on September 13,1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Shortly after, the family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized at Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she and her family were members.

Eria attended Northside Elementary and Linear High School (Class of 1967). During her high school years, she was honored with the title of Miss Personality for her warm and engaging nature, and she also proudly participated as a debutante, showcasing her grace and poise.

She continued her educational journey at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana. She later transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Business Management.

Eria worked as an Assistant Financial Service Director for Harris County Public Library for 22 years before retiring in 2005.

Eria met the love of her life, Melvin Thomas, Jr. in 1967. They were united in Holy matrimony in June 1969 and were happily married for 55 years. Together they relocated to Houston, Texas and it was there that they raised their three handsome sons: Dwayne, Adrian, and Anthony. As a family, they joined Brentwood Baptist Church and later moved their membership to New Faith Church in 1987. Eria served faithfully in the music ministry as a tenor section leader, taking on various organizational tasks at the time. She and Melvin were also faithful members of the marriage ministry.

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, Eria peacefully entered into her Heavenly home. She spent her life following Christ and was a woman of faith, spreading love and joy to everyone she met. She was a devoted team mom for her boys' sports teams and never hesitated to assist Melvin whenever needed at one of their rental properties. Eria also cherished attending family functions and playing her favorite game of Left, Right, Center. She always carried herself with poise and class, making a lasting impression with her presence and stylish outfits wherever she went.

Eria was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Martha Wilson; and her brother, Herbert Dean Wilson.

Left to cherish her loving memory, she leaves her loving husband, Melvin Thomas Jr., three sons: Melvin Dwayne Thomas, Adrian Dean Thomas (Lakitha), and Anthony Donnelle Thomas all of Houston; four siblings: Annie Spurlock (Darlwyn) of Missouri City, Texas, Peony Wilson of Shreveport, Louisiana, Harvey Ray Wilson (Cynthia) of Houston, Texas and Ronald Wilson of Shreveport, Louisiana; one brother-in-law: Freddie Thomas (Patricia) and one sister-in-law: Letricia Black (James), both of Shreveport, Louisiana; three grandchildren: Melanyse Thomas, Auria Thomas, and Mathew Thomas all of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and all of the lives she touched during her time here.