Barbara JoAnn Thomas

Barb was born to the late Herman and Nellie (Drury) Gibbs on November 29, 1940, in Phillipsburg, Kentucky. Affectionately known as Joann to her family when she was younger, Barb experienced the loss of both of her parents at a young age and was lovingly raised by her aunt and uncle, James Ezra and Mary Lou Drury, in Louisville.

Barb was a graduate of Ursuline Academy and was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in LaGrange. She worked as a bookkeeper for Wimsatt Building Materials until her retirement.

Barb loved life and enjoyed making memories with the people she loved. Her smile lit up when a grandbaby was around, almost as big as it was with a margarita in hand and a mariachi band playing. Traveling was one of her favorite things, especially cruises, trips to Las Vegas, and visits to her “happy place,” Disney World. She was an avid University of Kentucky basketball and football fan and took great pride in cheering on the Wildcats.

But more than anything, Barb’s life revolved around her family. She loved cooking family dinners and bringing everyone together around the table. She was an incredible cook. No one will ever make fried chicken or pork chops as well as she did.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a tremendous source of joy and pride. Barb loved attending their sporting events, cheering them on from the stands, and being there for the milestones and everyday moments that meant so much. She was always ready to support her family and celebrate their accomplishments.

Barb was preceded in death by her beloved son, Earl Thomas; siblings, Jerry Gibbs, Bonnie Cain, Herman Gibbs, Wayne Drury, Michael Drury, Carolyn Samuels, Roger Drury and Mark Drury, her parents, Herman and Nellie Gibbs, and her aunt and uncle Mary Lou and James Ezra Drury.

Left to cherish the memory of Barb are her husband of 64 years, Earl “Tom” Thomas; children, Debbie LaFave (Carl), Steven Thomas (Kim), Angie Wade (Jason), and Jennifer Welch (Chris); 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Glenda Lansford (Norman), Jim Drury (Barbara) and Michelle Drury-Recktenwald (Bob); as well as extended family and dear friends Randy and Debbie Head.

A Funeral Mass will be held for Barb at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 502 N. 5th St., LaGrange, Kentucky, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Valley of Rest Cemetery in LaGrange. Visitation will be held at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 W. Jefferson St., LaGrange, on Wednesday evening from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barb’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.