Nellie Mae Thomas

Nellie Mae (Jo) Thomas, 98, passed away on July 14, 2012 in Centralia, WA. She was born in Norman, OK to Lon Howry and Hazel Callahan Howry on July 14, 1914. She was married to Merlin J. (Tommy) Thomas on February 3, 1932 in Norman.

She lived in Hobart, OK from 1944 to 1957 where she worked for JC Penney and Sanitary Cleaners where she did alterations. She moved to Norman and settled in Moore in 1961 and worked for JC Penney, Montgomery Ward, and Bucks Men’s Clothing store in Oklahoma City. In 2003 she moved to Centralia, WA.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her son Stanley Thomas; parents; and brother Ellis.

She is survived by her daughters, Ann and Kenneth McDowell, Richardson TX., Karen and Jimmie Branam, Centralia, WA, and daughter in law, Evelyn Thomas, Shreveport, LA ; grandchildren, Kenda and Lee Fletcher, Burleson, TX, Beth McDowell, Ft. Worth, TX, John and Connie McDowell, Coppell, TX , David Branam, Olympia, WA, Jeff Branam, Centralia, WA, Kathy Branam, Lacey, WA, and Everett Thomas, Shreveport, LA. Great grandchildren, Ashley and Codie Riggs, Ft. Worth, TX, Marc, Kira, and Sean McDowell, Coppell, TX, Ashford, Lacey, Kyle and Keth Fletcher, Burleson, TX; great great-grand daughter Madison (Maddie) Riggs, Ft. Worth , TX; sister-in-law Elizabeth Shilling, Roanoke, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Friday, July 20, at 10:00 AM, at Lilac Hill Memorial Gardens, in Moore, OK.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service, www.primrosefuneralservice.com.