Jo Ann Thomas

JoAnn (Holden) Thomas

JoAnn Thomas, 97, of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away on May 21, 2026. Born on December 2, 1928, in Wynona, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Wiley and Beulah Holden.

JoAnn Thomas experienced the profound privilege of love twice in her lifetime. In 1946, she married Douglas "Dee" Dodson Duncan. Together they shared 12 beautiful years and four sons: Larry, Loss, Gary, and Kent. Following his passing in 1958, she later found love again. She married Ted Thomas in 1959 and two daughters were added to the family, Karen and Cheryl. They enjoyed 22 wonderful years together before his death in 1981. JoAnn welcomed others into her home that became family, including Timmy and Gordon.

JoAnn loved her family immensely and found much joy in having everyone gathered around the table. She had a true gift of hospitality and welcomed everyone with open arms. No one ever left her home hungry, and anyone who walked through her doors quickly became part of the family. She could often be found in the kitchen preparing sweet tea, chicken fried steak, or one of her favorite desserts. Countless holidays were celebrated and cherished memories were made in the house she lovingly turned into a home.

JoAnn dedicated many years to Magee Elementary as a Teacher’s Aide, where she was appreciated for her attention to detail and warm, friendly nature with both students and staff. Following her retirement from Magee Elementary, she continued her working years at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. She welcomed everyone with kindness and compassion and provided music for many services by playing the organ. Jack and Brenda Sawyer, along with Roland and Bettye George, became like family to her.

JoAnn’s life was rooted in faith, family, and service to others. A devoted member of Annaville Baptist Church for many years, she generously gave of her time and talents by playing the organ and piano, preparing Wednesday night meals, and teaching Sunday School. JoAnn was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Robstown Chapter No. 540, for many years where she served in numerous leadership positions throughout her membership. She will be fondly remembered for her strong faith, love and devotion to her family, musical abilities, and remarkable resilience.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley and Beulah; her first husband, Dee Duncan; her second husband, Ted Thomas; and her siblings: Marie, Sister, Dody, Sonny, Jack, Russell, and Al; and her granddaughter, Sarah Thomas.

She is survived by her children: Larry (Christine) Thomas, Loss (Mary) Thomas, Gary (Janis) Thomas, and Douglas Kent (Tamah) Thomas; her grandchildren: Caroline Thomas, Stephanie (Chris) Berry, Gary (Anetra) Thomas, Jr., Heather (Shawn) Baird, Tracy (Kevin) Dielmann, Jessica Thomas, Ted (Jamie) Thomas, Doug (Carolina) Thomas, Jr., and Ethan Thomas; and her great-grandchildren: Carmen (Jarred) Glaeser, Renay Thomas, Alex Thomas, Duncan Thomas, Brittany (Duston) Thomas, Dylan (Janelle) Bujak, Katelynn (Roman) Rodriguez, Harlan Dielmann, Asher Dielmann, Kara Thomas, Chelsea Thomas, Conner Thomas, Cooper Thomas, Caleb Thomas, and Camille JoAnn Thomas; and her great-great grandchildren: Ellie, Everly, Jenson, Birdie Jo, George, Clarissa, Eisak, Hayden, Layne, Christian, and Jack.

A celebration of JoAnn Thomas’s life will be held on May 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour before the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be a private service for the family at Memory Gardens.