Genetha Shankle Thomas

Genetha Shankle Thomas was born on January 6, 1942, in Newton, Texas, to Coryon and Dessie Mae Shankle. As the second oldest of four children, she shared her early life with her beloved siblings Holiston, Harveston, and Faye, growing up in a family rooted in faith, education, and love.

Genetha attended Newton High School in Newton, Texas, where she first began to shine as a dedicated student and compassionate young woman. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics. It was at Prairie View where she met the love of her life, Silton Thomas. The two were married on August 21, 1965, beginning a lifelong journey of partnership, faith, and family. She was an avid cook.

Genetha's love for her family was the heartbeat of her life. She was a devoted mother to Sylvia Thomas and Milton Thomas, and a loving stepmother to Veralyn Elaine Washington and her husband Clayton. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Laython Washington, Anthony John Thomas, Matthew James Thomas, and Genetha Addison Thomas. Whether it was cheering from the bleachers at Anthony or Matthew’s football or baseball games or clapping from the front row at a dance recital, Genetha was always there, radiating pride, joy, and unconditional love. She especially cherished the visits from her grandson Laython when he came in from Texas, and her face would light up with joy at every moment shared with her grandkids.

Her professional life was marked by dedication and compassion. Genetha worked at the VA Medical Center in Long Beach before continuing her caregiving legacy at the John Douglas French Center, a specialized Alzheimer’s facility. Her work reflected her heart, gentle, nurturing, and rooted in service to others.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Genetha was a proud and active member of Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana, California. She served as a Deaconess and taught Sunday school for many years, touching lives and planting seeds of faith in generations of children and adults alike. Her wisdom, kindness, and strength in the Lord left an imprint on all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Genetha Shankle Thomas lived a life marked by faith, family, and selfless love. She leaves behind a legacy of grace and generosity, one that will live on through her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.

She was a devoted wife to Silton Thomas (deceased).We honor her today with gratitude for the life she lived, the love she gave, and the legacy she leaves behind. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, friend, teacher, and servant of God, and she will be missed deeply and remembered always.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Coryon and Dessie Mae Shankle; and husband, Silton Thomas.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: children: Sylvia Thomas; Milton Thomas (Stephanie); stepdaughter: Veralyn E. Washington (Clayton); grandchildren: Laython V. Washington, Anthony John Thomas, Matthew James Thomas and Genetha Addison Thomas; siblings: Holiston Shankle, Harveston Shankle and Faye Roach; sisters-in-law: Marion Johnson (Victor) and Rachel Davis (Gaylord); brother-in-law: Charles Thomas, and other relatives and friends.