June 12, 1925 – March 12, 2017

NATCHEZ — Services for Mildred Thomas, 91, of Natchez, who died Sunday, March 12, 2017, at her residence, will be 1 p.m. Saturday at New Hope “The Vision Center” Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Stanley B. Searcy Sr. officiating. 
Burial will follow at St. Mary Baptist Church Memorial Garden under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the Natchez chapel and from noon until service time Saturday at the church.
Mrs. Thomas was born June 12, 1925, in Adams County, the daughter of Stanton “Brown” Wright and Gertrude Wright.
An only child, she professed Christ at an early age and joined the Pry’s Temple Baptist Church in Cannonsburg where she received God’s anointed discipleship. Setting out to live the life of a Christian and to do God’s will, she remained faithful to his calling until she transitioned into her heavenly home.
Mildred was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Sidney Thomas Jr. To this union was born 14 children. They lived in Washington, where she accepted her first job as a cook in the Washington Consolidated Schools. Searching for better opportunities, she departed for Milwaukee, Wisc., in December 1969. She worked in environmental services as a housekeeper at St. Anthony’s Hospital for a number of years until her retirement.
During this time, she was an active member of her church, the Fountain of Life, under the direction of the late Rev. Tuggle. Later, she joined the Rev. Lewis at The Family Worship Center where she often gave the Sunday address to its members. Not only did she share God’s message, she was actively involved in helping others which she had done her entire life.
Moving back to her native hometown of Natchez, in the spring of 2009, she quickly joined her beloved church, New Hope The Vision Center, under the profound leadership of the Rev. Stanley Searcy and co-pastor Brenda Searcy. She became a faithful member and served on the mother’s board until her illness rendered her incapable to do so.
Mrs. Thomas’ legacy was one of an indomitable spirit, enduring love, unyielding strength, a strong abiding faith, belief in others, compassion and optimistic hope for a better tomorrow.
Deep in her Christian faith, she was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Robert and Willie James “Dickey” Thomas; and one infant daughter, Rosemary Thomas.
Survivors include 11 children, David Thomas, Willie D. “Kite” Thomas, Shirley Stampley and husband, James, all of Natchez, Lucille Robinson and husband, Charles, Gertrude Bell, Charlotte Grace, Barbara Lafford, Susan Thomas Hall and husband, Larry, Gloria Hall and husband, Larry, and Darnell Thomas and wife, Hanife, all of Milwaukee, and Dr. Lauree Thomas of League City, Texas; a number of relatives, nephews, nieces, and a faithful and devoted niece, Lillie Mosby, who was a delight in her life as well as the Rev. Searcy and his family; mourning this time in history are also a number of friends; 32 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and 33 great-great-grandchildren.
To God be the glory for her life and the great things she accomplished while she was with us. Her encompassing smile, love of life and the absolute need to help others will always be a guiding life force in our lives.