OBITUARY

Katherine "Katie" Anne (Villines) Thomas

September 22, 1980 – April 14, 2018

Katherine (Katie) Anne Villines Thomas went home to her Lord Saturday April 14, 2018. We praise God she is without pain and rejoicing with her loves in heaven. Katie was born September 22, 1980 in Springdale, AR to Watson and Dana Reed Villines. She was a delight and did her parents proud till the last second of her life. Katie is survived by her loving husband; Jared, precious son; Luke, mother; Dana Villines, sister; Amanda (Brad) Cowger, brother-in-law; Seth (Jamie) Thomas, sister-in-law; Alissa (Vada) Harrell. Her beloved parents-in-law; Mark and Sharon Thomas. Niece and namesake; Julie Kate Cowger, nephews; Samuel Watson Cowger, Gabe Thomas, Aidan Thomas, grandmothers; Shirley Reed and LouEtta Villines, aunts; Pam (Chuck) Billings and Sherrye McBryde, uncle; Eddie Reed, cousins; Carol Jo (Scooter) Talley, John McBryde, James McBryde, Chaney McBryde, Michael McBryde, and Emily Reed. Katie's father; Watson Villines preceded her in death as did her grandfathers; Merle Villines and Dwaine Reed. Her beloved aunt Julie Reed also precedes her. Katie graduated from Conway High School in 1998 where she was a cheerleader and played clarinet in the band. She graduated the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 2003. She then obtained her Master's Degree from Harding University. Katie was forever indebted to Conway Public Schools for her fine K-12 education and for allowing her to teach her first year as an educator at Theodore Jones Elementary. She taught one year in Springdale Public Schools before joining Bryant Public Schools in 2005. Katie has been the principal at Collegeville Elementary for the past eight years. She loved and cherished all the faculty, staff, students, and parents. Our family was blessed when Katie and Jared married in 2005. Their son, Luke, was born in 2008. Katie loved being with them more than anything. She always said Jared gave her comfort and Luke gave her strength. From age eleven, Katie suffered greatly with migraines. She would want us to thank the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, especially Dr. George Urban and her home physician Dr. Jerry Cavaneau. Her life was unexpectedly cut short by a massive heart attack while relaxing at home with her family. Her heroic husband Jared and son Luke rushed her to Saline Memorial Hospital. The emergency room staff and Dr. Jeffrey Stewart were relentless in trying to save her life. They labored all night as we prayed. We cannot thank them enough for their skill, dedication, and kindness. We love you forever Katie!

  • PALLBEARERS

  • Seth Thomas
  • Brad Cowger
  • Todd Sellers
  • Mark Scarlett
  • James McBryde
  • Michael McBryde
  • Julie Kate Cowger, Honorary Pallbearer
  • Samuel Watson Cowger, Honorary Pallbearer
  • Gabriel Seth Thomas, Honorary Pallbearer
  • Aidan Lee Thomas, Honorary Pallbearer
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Services

  • Visitation Wednesday, April 18, 2018
  • Celebration of Life Thursday, April 19, 2018
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REMEMBERING

Katherine "Katie" Anne (Villines) Thomas

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J Mitchell

April 21, 2018

My family and I send our sincere condolences to you for your recent loss. Though words may not soothe your pain, may knowing that others care for you, share your grief, and are praying for your continued strength, courage and endurance, along with God's promise to eliminate death and all source of pain, and to use his Son to resurrect our dear loved ones who have passed away, in time help you to get through this difficult time (Isaiah 25:8; John 5:28).

Judi Akin

April 19, 2018

Jared and family,
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. May God wrap his love around you to carry you through until peace arrives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judi Akin

Melvona Ahart

April 18, 2018

To Katie's Family,
I am heartbroken to hear of Katie's passing. I met Katie while in the Master Principal Institute. We were there together during Year 1 & Year 2. We became friends and continued to stay in contact through the past 5 years. She was always such a joy and encouragement to be around. Please know her light was always shining bright!! As we got acquainted she would speak of her family with so much love. She was a passionate educator with a love for her teachers and students!!! May God wrap you all in his loving arms as you learn to try and work through her loss. Much love and Prayers,
Mel Ahart

Eric Steen

April 18, 2018

I am truly saddened by the unexpected passing of Mrs. Katie Thomas. My children Camrie Steen (4th Grade) and Caleb Steen (1st Grade) are 1st year students at Collegeville Elementary. I am forever thankful for my kids, having the opportunity to be led by such a great leader in Mrs. Thomas. She will truly be missed by us all and we will forever keep her within our hearts. We will continue to keep her husband, son, family, friends, Collegeville Family, and the entire Bryant community lifted up in prayer

Eric R. Steen

Amy Quarles

April 17, 2018

Jared & Family,
I was so saddened to hear the news of such a great loss in your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God bring you peace and comfort both now and especially at the times when you will need it most.

My Deepest Condolences,
Amy

Tina Johnson

April 17, 2018

I had the joy of talking with Mrs Thomas on numerous occasions. My Grands Camrie and Caleb are 1st year students at Collegeville and this is by far one of the best schools I've ever seen. Mrs. Thomas and her staff made them feel like family from day one. They will be moving to Texas with their parents after school is out but they will forever remember Mrs Thomas for making them feel welcome at CES. Prayers for everyone who knew her and who lives she impacted. I know that she's in the arms of Father God.

Terri Davidson

April 17, 2018

Jared,
My heart is breaking for you, Luke and all your family! I hope it brings you some small comfort to know that Katie touched so many young lives, and her memory will endure through them all. May God wrap you in love and peace through this most difficult loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Terri Davidson

Theresa and Doyle Oden

April 16, 2018

This is our first year at Collegeville Elementary with our granddaughter Sophia but they have all left an impression on us and our
Sophia . We are thankful for the time God had given us with Mrs. Thomas and know that our prayers are with all of the ones that are hurting and know that God has and sees them all and will hold them in his capable hands. May God bless and keep you all with all our love.

Kim Trickey

April 16, 2018

Katie and I met and taught together her first year in Bryant, and even though we were 16 years apart in age, we became fast friends. She was always wise beyond her years. She wanted to make a difference in this world, and that she did. She loved her job and strived to do her best, and expected the same of others. She knew the job we do shapes the world and she wanted to leave the world a little better place. She sure did that with her kindness, smile, and lasting impressions on the children in her care. They knew they were loved! She was an amazing friend to me. When I went through a bout with cancer three years ago, she gave me a bracelet that said "sparkle" and told me to continue to sparkle. I will cherish it and her memory! I know you are sparkling today in heaven as you did here on earth! Love you Katie!!

Mahagoney Dupree

April 16, 2018

She always was in good spirit with everyone. My son Dupree loved her so much and she also showed how much she loved him by saying it everyday...God has gained a beautiful angel.

IN THE CARE OF

Pinecrest Funeral Home
Alexander, AR
501-847-0265