Helen Williamson Thomas went to be with the Lord she served all her life, on July 5, 2022.early in the morning, at the age of 96. Often described by family and friends as a “great southern lady”, she leaves behind a loving family and many friends from throughout the world.

She was preceeded in death by her husband of 58 years, Dr. John Harvey Thomas, Jr.  Mrs. Thomas is survived by her son, Paul Harrison Thomas; two daughters, Janet Thomas Wilson (Danny) and Beth Thomas Green (Kelly); nine grandchildren, Jonathan Green (Merida), Taylor Green (Dawn), Harrison Thomas (Tori), Lowery Thomas, McRae Thomas (Libby), Dr. Cooper Wilson, Clint Wilson (Lauren), Dr. Caroline Wilson, and Dr. Caleb Wilson (Devin); as well as four great grandchildren, Skylar Green, Briley Thomas, Boone Thomas, and Cora Wilson.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Louisville, Alabama on October 1,1925 to John Harrison and Jennie Hurst Williamson. A graduate of Louisville High School and Auburn University, she obtained her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of South Alabama.

As an employee of Mobile County Public Schools, Mrs. Thomas taught at Baker High School, Shaw High School, and later became a guidance counselor at Shaw.  She worked for many years as a pupil personnel counselor for the Mobile County School Board at Barton Academy before retiring in 1985.

Although retired from public education, Mrs. Thomas was not retired from other activities. Along with Dr. Thomas, she was active in Southern Baptist Mission work throughout the world. Their mission work took them to the Philippines for two years where Dr. Thomas taught, and they both served at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Baguio. They also served in Singapore, Malaysia, and Bangladesh where they mentored many students studying to go into the ministry.

Mrs. Thomas was active in establishing churches throughout the south, including Calvary Baptist Church in Dothan, Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne, East Pointe Baptist Church in Spanish Fort, and churches in Southeast Asia.

Mrs. Thomas enjoyed traveling and she her husband and visited all 50 states in the U.S.

In 1999, Helen and John moved to Westminster Village Retirement Community in Spanish Fort, Alabama where Mrs. Thomas continued her love of scrapbooking, genealogy, and many other activities offered there. 

Up to her last days, Mrs. Thomas faithfully attended her beloved church, Eastern Shore Baptist Church, surrounded by her Life Group Class and friends. 

There will be a small, private service/burial honoring Mrs. Thomas with immediate family on July 13, 2022. The family will announce a Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Thomas to be held at Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne, Alabama in August or September once immediate family members return from being out of the country.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.