Erma L. Thomas

Erma Lela Thomas, age 102, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 22, 2023.

She was born in Thornburg, Arkansas, on October 28, 1921, the daughter of William Perry Stimson and Emily Freamon Stimson.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vance Thomas; her five sisters, Opal Fletcher, Cloree (Clo) Gentry, Juanita (Nita) Relish, Dorthy (Dot) Riffell, and Glenna Johnson; and her four brothers, Troy Stimson, Roy Stimson, Jay Stimson, and William (Bill) Stimson.  She is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, as well as many friends. She was loved and will be greatly missed.

Erma was passionate about her relationship with the Lord.  She was a member of Calvary Church of the Nazarene.  She retired from Arkansas Printing after a long career.  Erma was a wonderful cook.  If you ever visited, she would insist you have something to eat before you left.  Those who obliged her were glad they did.  She also loved to shop and stayed up on the latest fashions.  For years Vance would take her to her favorite stores, and you would find him sitting on a bench patiently waiting while she shopped.  Her greatest joy was being a wife to her “Sweetheart” for 66 years; they shared a wonderful life together.  After his passing in 2007, her nieces Debbie Garrett and Marilyn Thacker, in Erma’s words, became “more like daughters” to her.  They had a very special bond.  They have cared for her and managed her care throughout her illness, honoring her wishes that she could remain in her home. 

Erma was blessed to have wonderful caretakers round the clock for the past three years.  A special thank you to Faye Logan and Marilyn Sykes, who have lovingly cared for her from the beginning of her illness until the end, as well as her neighbor, David Cave, who checked in on her daily and became a dear friend to her and the family.

The family would also like to thank her nurse, Chaney, and Hospice Home Care Little Rock.

There will be a graveside service at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander, Arkansas, on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Harlie Patterson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Little Rock, Arkansas.