Catherine Eunice Thomas

On Thursday, August 1, 2013 in Houston, Texas, at the age of 81, Catherine Lewis Thomas ended her struggle with cancer and went home to be with the Lord. Catherine was born November 26, 1931 to the late Eddie and Cora Beatrice Lewis. Catherine was married to the late McClora Searcy Thomas on June 2, 1954. Catherine was the eldest of three siblings; Vera E. Luster, who resides in Denver, Colorado and Prince E. Lewis, who lives in Los Angeles, California with his wife Joyce Lewis. Catherine leaves behind a son, Searcy A. Thomas; daughter-in-law, Sheila Thomas; daughter, Allison A. Thomas; two step sons Isaac Humphrey and Durand Humphrey and granddaughter Stanicqua T. North. Catherine also leaves nieces, Roslyn Lewis, Tiffani A. Luster and Paige D. Przyborski and nephew Trent Lewis. Also mourning the loss are numerous other family members and close friends. Catherine was a very active member of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, involving herself with the Bible Study, Mission Society, Prayer Meetings, Christian Education and Mission II. Catherine, at one time, was also Vice-President and Secretary of the church. Catherine was also active with her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho. From 1949-1950 Catherine was elected Miss Booker T. Washington Sweetheart for her high school. During her freshman year at Dillard University, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, she was elected homecoming queen. For 43 years Catherine worked at Neiman Marcus, retiring in 1994. Catherine was an immaculate dresser and felt outfits should be coordinated at all times; lounging around the house as well as out and about. A belief passed down generations stemming from Catherine's grandmother on down. Catherine surrounded herself with beauty inside her home and out. Catherine would never leave the house without being fully made up with her favorite make up and purse that matched her shoes. On August 19, 2011 she received an award from the Methodist Hospital Radiation Oncology Department as best dressed and for giving the staff daily inspiration. Catherine loved to travel, spend time with friends and family, going to art exhibits and plays. She also was an amazing cook and collected recipes from various magazines, newspapers and books. If someone needed a recipe, friends would call and ask if she had it in her vast collection and many times she did. If she heard of someone being sick or in need, she would prepare a special dish to take to the family of neighborhood friend. Catherine was a warm loving soul who loved life and her family and friends. She also loved the Lord and recited her favorite verse often: Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."