Essie L. Thomas

Essie Lee Thomas, 83, passed away on June 5, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Kansas City, KS. She was born on June 28, 1940, in Natchitoches, Louisiana to Albert and Hattie Morris. She grew up in Chestnut, Louisiana and attended elementary school in Campti, Louisiana and R.T. Coles School in Kansas City, MO.

She worked for Rival & Milbank Manufacturing companies as an Assembly Line Worker and retired in 1997 after 30+ years.

She married JL Thomas on November 29, 1955, in Kansas City, KS. They were happily married for 68 years.

She was a faithful member of Southside First Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO. for several years where she served as a choir member and deaconess.

Essie took pride in having a clean and quiet home. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter, and embodied a sense of style that made her a fashion diva. A culinary artist in her own right, she reigned supreme in the kitchen, especially famous for her homemade cornbread and greens.

She was preceded in death by both parents, 1 brother, and 4 sisters. She is survived by her husband JL Thomas, children; James, Leonard (Chevaun), Daryl Sr., Theresa (Michael) English, brother Nelson Taylor (Hesperia California), 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, a special caregiver/God-daughter Cheryl Smith, and a host of other relatives and friends.