Louella "Babe" Mae Thomas

She was born on January 6, 1937, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Philmore Stenson and Louella Flanagan Stenson, who were part of the great migration north from Georgia. She was the middle of three children from this union. Louella graduated from the racially segregated Crispus Attucks High School. During that time, she developed an interest in history and art. This led her to become a student at John Herron School of Art and Design. Subsequently, she became a flight attendant with United Airlines. She used her talent with her art to assist in designing the seats in the cabin of United Airlines 727.

Over the years, she especially enjoyed immersing herself in various cultures, languages and cuisine unique to her extensive travels. In her later years, she met and fell in love with Oliver Thomas and was blessed with three stepchildren: Troy Thomas and wife, Jessie, Tracey Maldomado and husband Jose, and Tanya Thomas; Grandchildren: Esme Thomas, Anika Thomas, Julian Brown, and Adriana Maldonado; and Great Grandchildren: Olivia Thomas, Cameron Brown, and Monet Leos.

Louella always held a special place in her heart for her brother, Foster Parris Stenson and sister, Irena Stenson Webster. Louella is survived by her sister, Irena “Tootsie”; her nieces: Taunya Bledsoe, Teri Bledsoe, Lisa Stenson and Veda Andrews; Grandnephew, Nicholas Taylor and Grandniece, Madison Taylor, and a host of extended family members and friends.

A memorial visitation for Babe will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.