Gwen Jones Thomas

Gwen was born July 21st, 1939 to John Lamur Jones and Mildred Altadena Snider Jones in Plainview, TX. As a teenager, she taught swimming lessons, as well as, worked as a lifeguard at the local American Legion. She was a hard worker and extremely outgoing. This job gave her a sense of accomplishment. There is no telling how many young children she taught to swim. Gwen graduated from Plainview High School in 1957 earning a synchronized swimming scholarship to Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX. After college, she returned to Plainview to work as a Teller for Hale County State Bank. Boog Thomas, her future father-in-law, walked into the bank and decided she needed to meet his son, Harold. In 1962, Gwen married Harold Wayne Thomas, also from Plainview.

In 1963 life moved Harold and Gwen to Clovis, NM. Boog and Harold purchased the Clovis Cattle Commission Company. Gwen was active in the New Mexico Cow Belles promoting the cattle business. She loved serving the community and quickly knew everyone in town. Harold and Gwen worked well together and built several successful businesses. In December of 1963, Tracee was born. In February of 1966, Tandee was born.The Thomas family attended Parkland Baptist Church where Pastor Herbert Bergstrom made a deep impression on them.

After Harold’s father passed away, they sold the sale barn and moved to their farm in Portales, NM. This was a new adventure for Harold and Gwen. Life was full of parenting the girls and working on the farm. Nic and Rita Salgado along with Marcus and Mary Jane Natividad were instrumental in helping Harold and Gwen handle the large farm and ranch operation. Gwen later worked for Triangle Home Center as a Lumber Buyer. The Mauldin family entered their lives when the girls went to school in Portales. Later, the family moved their church membership to Central Baptist Church where they partnered with CC and Mary McKinney serving young married couples. CC and Mary became lifelong family. Gwen and Mary hosted many parties and showers in Clovis. Entertaining was their forte!

In May of 1982, Harold and Gwen moved to Midland, TX where Gwen worked at First National Bank with Jerry King. She took her entertaining background and utilized it in the marketing department where her personality and servant’s heart made her an asset to the team. In 1985, a new business opportunity was presented to her. She purchased a very successful Day Spa, BACKSTAGE. This business grew to be the #1 Day Spa in West Texas. Gwen worked day and night to make the business successful. BACKSTAGE was her passion, but it also took a toll on her health. Unfortunately, Gwen was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 1994.

Medical treatment was critical and Harold moved Gwen to Dallas. The cancer treatment caused congestive heart failure and Gwen was in the fight of her life. The doctors told her she would need to live for a couple of years before being placed on the heart transplant list. On July 30th, 1997 Gwen received the 102nd heart transplant at Medical City Hospital. It was a SUCCESS! There were some really bad days, but Gwen always had a positive attitude. She spent many hours in pain but instead, chose to pray for others. Just six short weeks later, Gwen had a brain aneurysm. The doctors did brain surgery and once again, Gwen fought to live. As she recovered, Landon her grandson, helped her learn to talk again.

Later, Harold became a catastrophic insurance Adjuster. He and Gwen traveled around the country working claims. They spent over two and a half years in FL and truly enjoyed Jacksonville. Gwen walked on the beach many days and prayed for healing and strength. God blessed her with 22 years after her heart transplant and brain aneurysm.

Survivors include her husband, Harold Wayne Thomas of Frisco, TX; two daughters, Tracee Thomas McRight, husband Mark McRight of Prosper, TX; Tandee Thomas Lawton, husband, John Lawton of Lewisville, TX. Gwen was blessed with five grandchildren: Brittney McRight Necessary, Hallsville, TX; Hunter Lawton, Cherry Hill, NJ; Landon Howell Beauchamp, Odessa, TX; Nicholas Kirill McRight, Prosper, TX; Gracee Gwendolyn Lawton, Lewisville, TX. Gwen adored her grandchildren.

Siblings: Delbert Jones, wife Joyce of Norman, OK; Sherrell D Rusty Jones, wife Judy of Lubbock, TX; Trudy Jones, San Antonio, TX