Emma Jean Thomas, 56, of Davenport, Iowa passed Saturday, March 11th at Clarissa Cook Hospice Davenport, Iowa. In honor of her life, a funeral service will take place at Weerts Funeral Home on Saturday March 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. Visitation, also at Weerts, will start at 10 a.m. and go until the time of service. Emma will be laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be left to the family.
Emma was born in 1966 in Greenwood, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Rosemary Thomas-Davis. She attended Central High School and continued her education at Scott Community College and AIC in Bettendorf. She previously worked for MCI WorldCom for many years before starting her own business in childcare. As owner-operator of Giggles Daycare, Emma cared for many children with all the love and compassion she bestowed upon her own children.
Emma was an enthusiastic member and Usher of the House of the Lord Church in Davenport; having recently rededicating her life to the Lord under the leadership of Pastor Kenneth Maxwell. She also led youth members in the Church as director of the House of the Lord Praise Dancers. She was a staff member of both Easter and Christmas programs. Emma personified the true meaning of family, which was evident in her love for her children and her grandchildren. She was known for putting others before herself, and become a matriarch of the family way too soon by having inherited the duty of sending several family members on to glory all on her own. This she did with grace and humility, and without complaint.
Emma loved to host family and friends at her home, at the park, or wherever she could gather the Thomas’ for fun and fellowship. Emma expressed her love through cooking and made the best soul food from ingredients straight from her garden that she tended often. She also loved to dance, laugh and to love on her grandbabies. Emma was so full of life and hopes to be remembered with joy and not sadness.
Online condolences may be expressed to Emma’s family by visiting her obituary at www.WeertsFH.com
Those left to carry on Emma’s memory include her children, Reyes (Vanessa) Gonzalez Jr., Lavontra McGowan, Lavon McGowan Jr.; grandchildren, Lyla Rose McGowan, Malakai Gonzalez, Araya Rose Gonzalez; siblings, James Thomas, Melvin Thomas, David Thomas, Garcia Thomas and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Emma was preceded in death by her grandmother, Rachel Thomas; mother, Rosemary Davis; siblings, Patricia Thomas, Steve Thomas, Marvin Thomas, Tammy Thomas, Linda Larson and her grandchild, Baby Reyes.
