Mary Emma Thomas

Mary Emma Thomas affectionately known to family and friends as "Nan" was born October 19, 1918 in Grand Coteau, Louisiana to the late Edward and Beatrice Jackson. She was the oldest of seven children. Her early childhood and school years were spent in Grand Coteau, Louisiana where she confessed her belief in Christ and was baptized at an early age. Later she united with St. Matthew Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where she served the Lord until death. Transitioning to Houston in the late 1940's Emma met and married the love of her life, Elton Thomas. Together, Elton and Emma had the joy of completing their home in the Historic Clinton Park Sub-division by nurturing and caring for 8-month old David Castille. Emma's quest for motherhood was fulfilled many times over through love and devotion given to David, Sandra Jackson Johnson, her goddaughter, and a host of nieces and nephews. For several years Emma worked various jobs in the public sector. Her most memorial years were spent working in the Houston Independent School District where she touched the lives of students and staff until retirement. Emma enjoyed working in the church, spending time with family and friends, gardening, cooking and cheering for her favorite sport icons, the Houston Rockets and World Wrestling Entertainment. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Beatrice Jackson, husband Elton Thomas, brothers Howard and Allen Jackson and sister Doris Tyree. On December 21, 2011 Mary Emma Thomas answered the Master's call as Heaven's Gates opened for her. She leaves to cherish her life of fond memories David Castille, her sister Hester Adams, brothers Earl and Edward Jackson, sisters-in-law Sydalese Jackson, wife of Howard, Alberta Jackson, wife of Allen, and Erma Jackson, wife of Edward, nieces and nephews - her children, family and friends.