Emma “Jo” Thomas, 79, of Grandview, MO died Wednesday morning November 21st, 2018. Jo was born on July 18th, 1939 in Rolla, Missouri. She attended the Bridge School and Rolla High School in Rolla, MO. Jo attended nursing school at St. John’s in Springfield, MO and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Francis School of Nursing in Jolliet, IL in 1984. Jo was a registered nurse in the state of Missouri for over 55 years. For most of her career Jo worked as a nursing supervisor at Research Medical Center where she retired after 38 years of service. During her time as a nurse she was privileged to care for former President Harry Truman. Jo was also an avid antique collector. She owned J & J Antique Shop in Raymore, MO with her good friend Jean Wells. Jo was a member of Coronation of our Lady Catholic Church in Grandview, MO for over 50 years.
Jo loved to spend time with her family fishing at Stockton Lake in Missouri. She enjoyed watching humming birds and feeding squirrels. She also loved taking road trips with her family in the “Silver Bullet” van to far off destinations. In recent years she also loved to cruise with her family. Jo will be remembered for her attention to detail, her love of large bonfires, her famous potato salad recipe, and her ability to forget every rule to board and card games allowing her to continually play “for the first time” each time. She was a loving friend and aunt who provided a home and warm meal to every friend, niece and nephew, even if you weren’t hungry. She was a great believer that everyone could use a second portion of whatever dish she was serving.
Jo was preceded in death by her father Charles Thomas and her mother Katherine Gilbert Thomas. She is survived by her brother Ellis “Hap” Thomas of Murray, NE, Clyde Thomas and sister-in law Sandy Thomas of Des Moines, IA. She leaves behind her “sister” in friendship Karen Zulauf, and niece that she raised as a daughter Brandi Middour Oxler, her husband Kenny Oxler and their children Jacob and Sydney of Atlanta, GA. She has numerous nieces and nephews that she held close to her heart including Randy, Presley, Sherrie, Charlie, Tim, Michelle, Miranda, Kathy, Charles Richard, Ann, Wyatt, Scarlett, Violet, Patrick, Sasha, Esperanza, David John, Carla, Wyatt, Bennett, Violet, Katie, and Kenny. We will miss our wonderful Aunt Jo, but take comfort in the fact that she is free from pain and joins her family and friends who are with the Lord in heaven.
In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to KC Hospice House or the American Cancer Society in her name. Condolences for the family may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgegrandview.comArr. by McGilley & George Funeral Home, Grandview, MO.
DONATIONS
Kansas City Hospice
American Cancer Society
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