Annah Thomas

Annah Jo Thomas passed away January 3, 2025 at the extraordinary age of 105. She was born on September 19,1920 on a family farm in Vernon, Texas to Will and Clara Servatius. She married Claude A. Thomas Jr. on July 19, 1946 in St Elizabeth’s Church in Lubbock, Texas who preceded her in death in 1984.

Anna graduated from Anton High School and Draughon’s Business College. In January 1942, after the beginning of World War II, Anna moved to Washington DC and worked for the War Department in the Pentagon. Near the end of the war she transferred to Lubbock Army Air Field to work for the Flight Surgeon. Subsequently after the war, she worked for the regional office of the Veterans administration retiring in 1982.

She was a devout Catholic and she and Claude were among the founding members of Christ the King Cathedral, where she was a member of the Women's Organization, Senior Group and helped with the Bereavement Meals Group. Anna enjoyed volunteering at Covenant Lakeside Auxiliary for 25 years, and also playing in several bridge clubs, and was competitive in any games she played. Making pies was her specialty - especially pecan pie using pecans from her yard, and coconut cream pie.

Annah was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Gayle Smothers, and son in laws, Doug Dixon and Bruce Gilliam.

Survivors include daughters Linda Gilliam of Burleson, Tx, and Marilyn Dixon of Lubbock, TX., former son in law John Smothers, and grandsons Brian (Carla) Gilliam, Bradley (Erin) Gilliam, Brent (Lindsey) Gilliam, Steve (Christi) Smothers, Ryan (Robbie) Smothers, Keith (Landa) Dixon, and Jamon (Ellie) Dixon. She is also survived by ten great great grandchildren.

Special thank you to the entire staff of Primrose Retirement Community of Lubbock for the excellent and compassionate care during the last 18 months.

Donations can be made to the Claude and Anna Jo Scholarship Fund with Christ the King School Foundation at 4011-54th Street; Lubbock, TX 79413.