Laura S Thames

September 4, 1954 – December 9, 2025

Laura Sue “Susie” Thames, age 71, of Odessa, Florida, passed away on December 9, 2025, at Mease Countryside Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Susie was born in Würzburg, Germany, to Hollis Howell and Mary Ann Coffin Howell, and grew up in Columbus, Georgia. Throughout her life, she embodied kindness, resilience, creativity, and a deep, abiding love for her family and her faith.

Susie leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joseph “Joe” Thames, her partner in life for decades and her constant source of strength, comfort, and companionship. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Cornish, with whom she shared a lifelong bond filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Her son, Joseph “Joey” Thames Jr., carries forward her legacy of kindness, determination, and faith—qualities she nurtured in him throughout his life. Susie was endlessly proud of the man he has become. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandson, Sully Hollis Thames, who brought her immeasurable happiness. She treasured every moment spent with him, from everyday conversations to the precious memories they created together.

Susie is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Mary Alicia Thames, with whom she will one day rest at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. Their reunion offers comfort to those who loved her most.

Susie spent many years working as an HR representative for OMI Georgia, Sunshine Bakeries, and other companies. She later served as a Home Medical Equipment Specialist until her retirement in 2014. In every role she held, she was known for her compassion, steady presence, and the care she offered to coworkers and clients alike.

A lifelong crafter, Susie’s creativity touched countless lives through handmade gifts and projects. More than anything, she cherished being a devoted wife, mother, sister, and nana. In recent years, she found renewed passion in her faith and deepening her involvement with her church. Susie lived every day with intention—whether assembling newly purchased furniture, running errands, enjoying meals out with her family, or riding around to admire Christmas lights, one of her most cherished traditions.

Service Information

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of New Port Richey, officiated by Pastor Jay Huddleston.

She will be laid to rest at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia, beside her daughter, Mary Alicia Thames. Ultimately, her ashes will be interred together with those of her husband, Joe Thames, in the same urn.

Special Thanks

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hopman, Dr. Irvin, and the dedicated doctors and staff at Mease Countryside Hospital. They also offer sincere thanks for the outpouring of support, prayers, and condolences received from family, friends, medical professionals, and church members. Your kindness has been a profound comfort during this time.

In Lieu of Flowers

Donations may be made in Susie’s memory to the John B. Amos Cancer Center.

Donation Link:

https://secure3.convio.net/phfou/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30103a?mfc_pref=T&idb=1043490711&df_id=2261&2261.donation=form1&DONATION_LEVEL_ID_SELECTED=1483&NONCE_TOKEN=116D3024A639954AEC51454E905C3D4F&mfc_pref=T

Donation Instructions:

Under Gift Designation, select “I want to give.”

Choose Piedmont Columbus Regional, then select John B. Amos Cancer Center.

Enter your gift amount.

Choose One-time gift.

Select Yes under Tribute Gift.

For Honor Gift Type, choose In memory of.

Complete the remaining fields with the honoree information.

Please note the donation is in memory of Laura Sue “Susie” Thames.