Shirley Thomas

Shirley was born April 4, 1931 in Downey, Idaho to Dr. Mitchell and Emily Jones. Her beloved brother, Norman was born 15 months later and the family was complete.

Life in Downey was a happy time where Shirley made many life-long friends. She was an accomplished pianist, and she and her mother made the weekly bus trip from Downey to Ogden, Utah for piano lessons.

The family moved from Downey to Salt Lake City during Shirley’s early teens, where her father opened a dental practice in Sugarhouse, and Shirley assisted him after school.

Her brother was in the same school grade. Together they attended Irving Jr. High, East High, and the University of Utah, where they both marched with the marching band, and Shirley earned a degree in education. She worked part-time teaching at John Robert Powers Modeling School and modeled at the ZCMI Tea Room and Makeoff’s.

Shirley taught mainly third grade in the Salt Lake, Granite, and Evanston, Illinois Districts. While teaching at Rosslyn Heights School, Shirley met Lelia Thomas, a teacher whose husband passed away. To show respect, Shirley went to the viewing at the mortuary, and Lelia introduced Shirley to her son. He became the love of her life and she married Lynn Alleman Thomas February 17, 1960 in the Saint George Temple.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shirley had a great love of the gospel and served in many capacities, including as a member of the Relief Society General Board under Barbara Smith. Her organizational skills were invaluable as she served as ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple, a CES mission with her husband in San Bernardino, California, as a hostess in the Relief Society Building, P.T.A. board member, captain in Edgehill Camp of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and officer of the Gilmer Park Company. She also started a new camp called “Westminster”.

Shirley loved music and her talents were appreciated as ward organist, pianist and accompanist for many years. She was also an amazing cook, and enjoyed her great friends in the Lunch and Dinner Groups.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lynn and three children: Linda Thomas Christensen, (Richard Clinton Christensen), Dr. Lynn Mitchell Thomas (Dr. Kristine Pratt Thomas), John Rees Thomas, (Sharon Banks Thomas): eight grandchildren: Michelle Emily Christensen Finocchio (Ernie Finocchio), Adam Richard Christensen, (Kristina), Jordan Thomas Ostlund (Tyler), Eli Mitchell Thomas, Benjamin Pratt Thomas, Jack Jones Thomas, John Andrew Thomas, Jenna Thomas, two great granddaughters: Madeleine Stephanie Christensen, Chloe Kristine Ostlund, sister-in-law, Melanie Smith Sturdevant, and the Jones nieces and nephews, who have always been an important part of the family. They are Sharon Emily, Suzette, Norman, Nathan, Neal, Marianne (deceased), Melanie Marie and Aimee.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Louis Mitchell Jones, Jr. 1925 – 1926) and Dr. Norman Ray Jones (1932 – 1980).

At Shirley’s request a viewing will be held December 15, 2017, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Edgehill Ward, 1735 South 1500 East, prior to a funeral service at 11:30 am. Graveside services will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (Northmont Section), 3401 S. Highland Dr.

The family would like to give special thanks and appreciation for the excellent and loving care received from Carrington Court, and especially, Mindy Hutchison, Shirley’s hospice nurse.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple Fund.