Paula Cletola Thomas

Paula Blake Thomas entered into God’s nearer presence on April 8, 2025, after an extended illness, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Burtus Louise Lovvorn and father, James Paul Blake; her brother, James Paul Blake, Jr. (Jimmy); and her brother Vernon Eldon Blake.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph “Reynolds” Thomas; her sister, Lyndol Suvaughn Griffin, her brother Darrell Barton Blake, and his wife, Judy; her loving sister in law, Marilyn Enfinger Blake as well as her daughter, Sheila Thomas Edmondson, and her husband Charles; her daughter Tammy Thomas Baqir and her husband, Russell; and her son, Joseph Reynolds Thomas, Jr. (Joey) and Milagrosa Stewart Thomas; her grandchildren, Charles Wyatt Edmondson, Jr. (Wyatt), Thomas McFadden Cone, Joanna Blake Edmondson, Joseph Loui Cone (Joey) and Mason Blake Thomas as well as a host of nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.

Paula was born on August 8, 1945, in Eclectic, Alabama. Her family moved to Montgomery when she was a young girl. At 15 years of age, she met the love of her life and future husband, Reynolds. They soon married and began what would be a blessed and utterly amazing life together as wife and husband. Even in her last days on this earth, Paula endured until this past Tuesday, April 8, 2025, which was their 64th wedding anniversary, to be with Reynolds before passing away early that morning with him by her side. Early on in her marriage to Reynolds, her husband learned the skill of tuning pianos, and together they built an amazing business known as Thomas Piano Service for which she kept its books and scheduled service appointments for their clients. There is likely no person, church or entertainment venue that owns a piano that has not utilized their family business for piano tunings.

Paula dearly loved all of her family. She cherished the times they could gather for birthdays, holidays, or any impromptu visit. She was a terrific cook, who always wanted to be sure her guests were well served. If anyone who knew her were asked, they would say that she was one of the sweetest, kindest people they have ever met, indeed, an “angel on earth.”

The funeral will be held at Christchurch in Montgomery, Alabama at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, with the Very Reverend Canon Andrew M. Rowell officiating. The family will receive friends in the parish hall one hour prior to the service. A graveside committal at Alabama Heritage Cemetery will follow. Family and friends are invited to the home of Charles and Sheila Edmondson after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made to Children’s Hospital online at ChildrensAL.org/donate or to Children’s of Alabama Foundation at 1600 7th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233, in memory of Paula Thomas in honor of Benjamin Grier, heart transplant patient, or to one’s charity of their choice.