JoAnn Thomas

A devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend, Joann Lewis Thomas was born on October 25, 1952. She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and was the third oldest of six siblings born to the union of Eugene Lewis and Maxine Izetta Hand Lewis. In her teenage years Joann accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life while attending Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. Joann loved to sing for the Lord and joined the Mt. Carmel M. B. C. Choir where she remained an active member of the choir during her time at Mt. Carmel. Joann obtained an Accounting Degree from Southern University in New Orleans with the honorary distinction of “Summa Cum Laude“. Upon obtaining her degree she began her career as an Accountant working for Martin Marietta in New Orleans and then eventually moved to Detroit Michigan, then to Houston where she worked for Exxon Mobil and the Houston Public Library downtown Houston.

Joann married her friend and soul mate James Thomas. To this joyful union was the addition of two children: Treva Lynn and James Thomas. Joann and James were married for over 20 years. Joann was a dedicated mother who adored her children and grandchildren. Sharing time with her children and grandchildren in Texas (Houston and Lubbock) and spending time with her family and friends gave her blissful pleasure and bountiful joy!

Joann departed this life on Sunday, July 28th. She is survived by her daughter, Treva Lynn Bendy and son, James Thomas; son-in-law, Reginald Bendy and daughter-in-law, Ebony Thomas; grandchildren: Reginald Bendy Jr. and Jordan Thomas; sisters: Carolyn Washington, Rhonda Foley; brother, Ronald Lewis; brothers-in-law: Percy Washington, Louis Foley and Lionel Morgan; sister-in-law, Trinise Taplet; a beloved cousin: Cynthia “Neatha” Joseph; Godchild: Aniyah Travae Foley and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Lewis; father, Eugene Lewis; brother, Gregory Lewis; sister, Barbara Morgan.

The visitation will be from 9AM until the start of the service at 11AM on Sat., August 3rd at McGee Chapel M.B.C., 2025 Hwy. 6 South, Houston, TX 77077. Interment will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the JoAnn Thomas Memorial Fund, c/o Treva Bendy, P.O. Box 6334, Katy, TX 77491 (checks should be made payable to Treva Bendy)