Frances Jeanette Thomas, 84, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024.
Frances was born to Robert Sr. and Agnes McGaughy on August 11, 1939 in St. Joseph, Mo. Frances went to Bartlett High and Central High Schools.
She moved to Pocatello, Idaho, and furthered her career in office management from Pocatello Community College. She married Logan Thomas Sr. and he brought into this union three sons, Logan Jr., Gerald and Billy Ray. They raised these young men from early childhood into adulthood. She also had the privilege to help raise Brandon from an early age, and he was with her wherever she went. Frances adopted the love of her life, Peaches, a small dog she cherished. Peaches was put to sleep after fifteen years because of her ailments.
Frances worked for, and retired from, Fred Myer Department Store in Pocatello. She always had a very soft spot in her heart for babies and children. Frances was able to indulge that soft spot by serving as "Playland" supervisor at the store. According to an article in the Idaho State Journal, Frances believed the little ones are just "so sweet, so innocent and just so honest.” The children seemed to agree and really enjoyed spending time with the "Playland Lady,” as she was affectionately known, from the time it opened in 1992 until her retirement.
She was active in her church, the NAACP and other organizations for the city. She was excited to see Rev. Jesse Jackson at a convention and Frances kept calling (Jesse) so much that he recognized her and shook her hand and chatted briefly with her. Whatever was unfair or unjust to her and the people of Pocatello she was there advocating. Frances would cry at the drop of a hat but at the same time she could go from 0 to 100 to defend herself or someone else. She had interests in crafts and designing, was a very avid reader, loved music and could dance great. She was very smooth and graceful.
She liked to speak her mind whether asked or not. I would ask "you said that?" and her reply was "yes!" and my reply was "it's on!”
Frances was always available to help with her 48 nieces and nephews. She would always give anything needed and help in any way she could. She had a rapport with them and they were always available for her. Some of them, when I would inquire after she gave her unsolicited advice, would say, "that's Aunt Fran". To sum it all up, Frances was very giving and loving. For Frances' family and friends, I can't tell you how much you ALL meant to her.
Quickly & Quietly came the call
Your sudden departure shocked us all
We who have lost do dwell for the loss of our loved one
Without a farewell
Frances was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Agnes McGaughy, siblings Robert Jr., Arthur Sr., Thomas Sr., Norma Brown, Mable Brown, Rozetta Gray, (Evans and Arthuretta, both of whom died in infancy); and brothers-in-law, Albert May, Sr. and Ralph Harris, Sr.
She is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Harris and Carrie May, both of Denver, Colorado, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.