Johnnie Faye Thomas

Johnnie Faye Thomas, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and neighbor and leaves behind a grateful family, many friends, and memories too numerous to count.

Faye was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, to Johnie and Bessie Evans on June 21, 1930. As a child, her family moved many times but finally settled in DeRidder where she completed high school, which then only had 11 grades. At age 14 she got her first job at City Drug Store. At age 17 after graduating from high school, Faye moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she attended McNeese College.

Faye became manager of Bailey’s Drug Store in Lake Charles and soon met her first husband Leonard Davis who worked at the Pitt Grill; they married a year later in 1950 and son Gary and twins David and Dan soon followed. They built a life together—Faye raising their boys and Leonard opening multiple Pitt Grill locations. After Leonard passed away, she, alongside her brother-in-law Winfred Smith, continued to run the Pitt Grills they had opened. Five years later, she met Captain Bill Thomas, and a year later they were married. They spent their time traveling and exploring the world before moving to Austin, Texas, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. After Bill died, she said she’d never marry again, but then was swept off her feet by the charming Bill Stevenson while he was a greeter at Great Hills Baptist Church. They were married in January 2004. Bill was a devoted husband and lovingly took on the role as a caring grandfather and great-grandfather. He doted over her every day and took care of her until the end. She was blessed to have him in her life.

Faye was an astute businesswoman. After her first husband Leonard died, she ran and operated over 17 Pitt Grills. She and another partner opened motels and franchises under the Best Western name, along with three restaurants named after her oldest son, Gary. She eventually sold them to begin and enjoy retired life. After moving to Austin, she became involved in many organizations. She was vice president of the Austin Newcomers Club, director of Young at Heart at Great Hills Baptist Church, and served on several committees at Austin Baptist Church. She may have been retired, but she kept busy with all her activities and volunteer work.

Faye was well-loved by many people, including those she met while working and those within the community and church. She attended Great Hills Baptist Church for many years before moving membership to Austin Baptist Church. Faye enjoyed reading, trying new restaurants, and traveling. She was also an excellent cook, and everyone loved trying whatever food she brought to social events.

Faye is survived by her husband, William (Bill) Stevenson, and his daughters Deborah and Brenda and husband Bruce of Fredericksburg, Texas, her son Daniel Davis and wife Roxie of Dale, Texas, and son David Davis and wife Jennifer of Austin, Texas. She is survived by her grandchildren Matthew, Drew, Amanda, Lindsey, and Michelle, as well as her great-grandchildren Nate, Aria, Shaylee, Luca, Ethan, and Lily. She has two surviving sisters, Opal Herzog and Linda Evans, both of DeRidder, Louisiana. Faye was preceded in death by husbands Leonard Davis and Bill Thomas, son Gary Wayne Davis, and siblings Glen Evans, Maxine DeMary, Mary Smith, and LaVerne Hamilton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the friends and family who kept in touch with Faye and helped her over these last months, particularly her Visiting Angel Sara. Granddaughter Amanda was particularly helpful to her grandmother, especially during this time.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation Monday night, November 20th, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 North Lamar in Austin, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas, on Tuesday, November 21st, at 2 p.m.