Mrs. Helen Jean Thomas

Helen (Coleman) Thomas was born on September 21, 1956, in Egremont, MS to Dorothy and the late James Coleman. In 1975, she married her high school sweetheart, the late Albert Thomas and they had two children, Tena and Ron. With boldness and determination, Helen walked away from a factory job and pursued a career in nursing. She was accepted in the License Practical Nursing (LPN) School in Vicksburg, MS in 1979. She completed the 14 month program, but not without great sacrifice to her young family. After working as an LPN for several years and determined to broaden her career path, she completed her studies as an Emergency Medical Technician. After working in this field for a number of years, she once again set her sights on pursuing a higher-level degree as a Registered Nurse. Her take-charge attitude and work ethics forged her ahead to take on new challenges. Helen worked as a nurse for more than 30 years in various positions with the most notable one being Director of Nursing, Heritage Manor Nursing Home, in Rolling Fork, MS. She cared greatly for her patients and was a staunch advocate for her nursing staff. In 1968, Helen accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour and was baptized at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she attended World of Life Church and was so impacted by the service that she drove over an hour from Rolling Fork to attend Wednesday night seroices. She transferred her membership from Mt. Olive to World of Life Church on April 16, 2013. Helen eventually moved from Rolling Fork to Ridgeland to be closer to her children and grandchildren and her new church. She served in the bookstore and as a greeter for several years. She loved her church and often shared that with others. She was affectionately called "MeMe" by her grandchildren because grandmother and granny just didn't suit her. Helen's generous heart, infectious laugh, and love for life will be missed by all who loved her. Helen is survived by her mother: Dorothy Coleman; her daughter: Catena Thomas (Jerry); granddaughter Theri and grandson Jeremy; her son: Kwajaleon Thomas (Kimberly); grandsons: Malik, Kwajaleon, Jr. (K), Kyler, Kameron; and granddaughter: Kel Stamps; her siblings: Linda Moffett (O'Neal), Willie Coleman, Str., James Coleman (Penny), Samuel Andres (Florence), Danny Coleman (Marilyn), Velma Shipley, Glenn Coleman (Jennifer), Lesia Coleman-Linzy (Preston), and Donald Coleman (Betty; her sister-in-law: Sue Ann Coleman; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friend... She is preceded in death by her brothers: Alvin Coleman and Rickey Coleman: and brother-in-law: Douglas Shipley.

Mrs. Helen Jean Thomas

September 21, 1956 - June 23, 2024