Jo Ann (Phillips) Thomas

In Loving Memory of Jo Ann Thomas

On a beautiful bright and sunny day, Jo Ann Thomas was born to Willie Phillips and Virgie Jolivette, on November 25,1947. She was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and steadfast dedication to her family, her students, and her community.

At an early age, Jo Ann accepted Christ and was baptized at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana, where her lifelong commitment to faith began. She received her education through the St. Landry Parish School System and graduated from J.S. Clark High School.

On June 15, 1968, Jo Ann married the love of her life, Ronald Davis Thomas, whom she had met while in high school. Their love story blossomed into a beautiful marriage that spanned 58 years. Together, they were blessed with three children, whom they raised with love, faith, and strong values.

Determined to further her education, Jo Ann attended Texas Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Education and later a Master of Education. She devoted 32 years to the Houston Independent School District, serving as an English teacher, Department Chair, and Special Education teacher. She took great pride in her work at Frost Elementary School and Ross Shaw Sterling High School, where she inspired countless students through her patience, wisdom, persistence, and unwavering belief in their potential.

Following her retirement in 2011, Jo Ann's passion for education continued as she returned to the classroom, working with charter schools in reading intervention programs to help improve student achievement. Teaching was never simply a profession for her—it was a calling. One of her greatest joys was encountering former students throughout the community who thanked her for the positive impact she had made on their lives.

Jo Ann was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was also a proud member of the Ladies of K.P.C. Ladies Auxiliary and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. She believed deeply in leadership, service, and equity for all, living by the conviction that "right was right, and wrong was never acceptable."

Her love extended far beyond the classroom. Jo Ann had a passion for gardening and possessed a remarkable green thumb. She delighted in baking for family and friends and was always ready with strong words of encouragement to inspire others to become the very best versions of themselves. She especially loved helping children develop strong reading and writing skills, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of those she taught.

Those who knew Jo Ann also knew she loved music and dancing. She could light up a room with her joyful spirit and infectious smile. Her favorite artists included Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Gladys Knight & the Pips, whose music often accompanied treasured moments with family and friends.

Above all, Jo Ann cherished her family. Her greatest accomplishments were not measured by awards or titles but by the lives she touched through her love, guidance, faith, and generosity. She lived with purpose, always striving to uplift others and glorify God through her actions.

Jo Ann leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband of 58 years, Ronald Davis Thomas, Sr., of Houston, Texas; her loving children, Yolonda Thomas Dupre of Houston, Texas; Ronald Davis Thomas, Jr. of Houston, Texas; and Troy Fitzgerald Thomas Sr. (Tameka), of Houston, Texas.

She also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Ashley Thomas, Cluren JoRon Dowell, Ronald Davis Thomas III, Kobe Thomas, Alondra Dupre, Kenneth Kowalski Dupre Jr., Nevaeh N. Bailey, Emeri Troi Thomas, Jordan A. Thomas, Tori Elizabeth Thomas, Amina Karuzis, Taryiah Thomas, and Troy Fitzgerald Thomas Jr.

She is also survived by her loving siblings: Judy Jackson (the late Roland) of New Orleans, Louisiana; Patricia Gauthier (the late Karl "Puncho") of Opelousas, Louisiana; Murdis Andrews (Allen) of Opelousas, Louisiana; Janice Grant of Houston, Texas; Priscilla English (Frank) of Houston, Texas; and Murvin Jolivette of Opelousas, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her sister, Authurine Rutherford (the late Raynell) of Plant City, Florida.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved sisters-in-laws: Willie Mae Matthews (the late Andrew) of Houston, Texas; Doris Thomas (the late Edna) of Columbus, Ohio; and Rosemary Allen (A.C.) of Columbus, Ohio, along with a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbors, lifelong friends, former colleagues, and countless former students whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, guidance, and love.

Though Jo Ann has departed this earthly life, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched. Her faith, strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment to education, family, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. 

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23