Hessel Marion Thomas

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Hessel Marion Thomas, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

She was the daughter of Harry Thurston & Estella Oak Wine. Raised in New York, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

Growing up, Hessel was one of those children who did not’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Hessel was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Hessel was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Hessel took part in a number of activities as a child.

Most folks would say that Hessel was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Hessel was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Hessel best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Hessel kept. Later in life, she became friends with Edith Russo and other women in the neighborhood.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Hessel. She was totally committed to Layton and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Hessel naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Hessel disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Hessel was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Hessel was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Hessel was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Hessel was blessed with four children, Layton Robert Thomas Jr, David Harry Thomas, Delores Lee Pruett, and Debra Ann Lang. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Adam Wade Thomas, Layton Robert Thomas III, Gerard Wayne Lang Jr, Melissa Ann Quinones, Heather Maureen DeBooy, and Jennifer Marie Lang :).

If you gave Hessel a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Hessel was always on task. Without hesitation, Hessel could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was a certified nurse's aid. She was employed for many years. During that time, Hessel excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Hessel was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Hessel had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Hessel liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Hessel's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Hessel preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were crossword puzzles and chatting with family. Hessel was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

Hessel was active in the community. She was practical and grounded and based her decisions on first hand experience. She was responsible and liked working to achieve results rather than just chattering about possibilities. Politically, Hessel was Republican.

Hessel had Candy, a Dachshund dog, who was her best friend for 14 years. Hessel was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

When Hessel's retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found new pleasure in grandchildren. Even in retirement, Hessel continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Hessel passed away on June 2, 2017 at Vitas Hospice Jackson North. Hessel took a fall, had surgery and became to weak to recover. She is survived by her 3 children, Layton Thomas JR, Delores Pruett, and Debra Lang; and her 5 grandchildren, Adam Thomas, Gerard Lang Jr, Melissa Quinones, Heather DeBooy, and Jennifer Lang. Services were held at Caballero Rivero Southern funeral home. Hessel was laid to rest in Southern Memorial Cemetery next to her husband, Layton Robert Thomas SR.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Hessel was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Hessel was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Hessel Thomas was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Hessel. She will be missed.