Eula Lee Thomas

Mrs. Eula Lee Thomas of DeRidder, 90, passed away on the 25th of March 2026, at her home in DeRidder.

Eula gave her life to Christ and was baptized and united with the Mt Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Dubberly, LA. She later united with the Antioch Baptist Church of Shreveport. After moving to DeRidder in the early 1960s, she was a devoted and serving member of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church of DeRidder. She served the Lord in any Capacity she could which includes Chairman of the Church and Pastor Anniversary Decorating committee. She was also the Tribe Leader during the church anniversary. She utilized her flair and creativity at a myriad of church events and turned them into memorable occasions. Her flair for decorating and putting things together was unmatched, she could beautify and enhance any venue.

After meeting Willie L. Thomas, she was swept off her feet and they soon married in Oklahoma in May 1953 and traveled for various military assignments. At the suggestion of Willies’ Aunt, Roxie Williams; Willie and Eula moved their family to DeRidder for better job opportunities.

Eula was a special woman who touched the lives of many through her God given gifts for sewing, floral arranging and alterations. She could customize and fashion any garment and was an incredibly talented Clothier. In her presence you knew you were valued.

As a military wife herself and with children affiliated with the military she forged many lasting friendships. Together she and Willie raised four children and under her watchful eye they all flourished and obtained college degrees. They raised their kids with love and firm discipline. Her home is where you truly felt welcome and surrounded by warmth, laughter, comfort and support and was a haven for many.

Eula was rarely without what she called “Busy Work,” a skirt or a pair of pants in need of alteration. Often up and creating in the early morning hours. Her hands were always doing something.

She was the best Grandmother to her grandchildren. She was proud of each one. Her face lit up anytime one of them called, video chatted or came to visit. Her legacy will live on through them and the memories we all share of her.

Eula didn’t let her meager beginnings dictate her ending. She traveled all over he United States, Italy, France, London, Ireland and Africa. The world was her backyard. Eulas’ passport was well worn and read like “A Life Well Lived.”

She was predeceased by her husband, Willie L. Thomas, parents Jack and Lucille Phillip of Maywood, IL. Two daughters, Yvonne D. Mathis and Shirley Marks; brothers, David Earl Thomas, Archie David Thomas, Joseph Reagan Thomas, Jesse Lee Thomas; sisters, Betty Jane Hill, Rosie Lee Duty and Hazel Thomas, One granddaughter Karintha A. Thompson, one brother-in-law Willie J. White and Daughter-In-Law Sharon Thomas.

She is survived by two of her children, Arnett (Colleen) Thomas of Colorado Springs, CO and Theresa (Kenneth) Jones of Elizabethtown, KY. One sister Mary D. Johnson of Lombard, IL, one God daughter Evelyn R. Reese of Lafayette, LA, one grandson Antheus D. Thomas of Houston, TX. Three granddaughters, Chemika N. Mathis of DeRidder and Kenresa R. Jones of Louisville, KY, Danielle Thomas of Radcliff, KY; seven great grandchildren and ten great- great grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memories two very special friends Mrs. Ethel Stafford and Ms. Emma Gilbert. A special thank you to Alan Hickman for always being available. She also leaves a host of, cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members.

My flowers have been picked, my wings have been clipped, I must fly away, you all take care of each other. I must say, while I was alive you all gave me my flowers so that I could see and smell them and I say, “Thank You”!!!!

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Daniel Stafford will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Carlos Archield, Billy Spikes, Russell Chew, Alan Hickman, Keith Marks and Gibson Peters. Burial will follow the service at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who helped ‘Grandgee’ at home from Hospice of Leesville. Thanks to all for the support given to the family and to those who traveled many miles, your thoughtfulness, care and concern is greatly appreciated. Special acknowledgement to her church family at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church and her second church family: First Assembly of God Church of DeRidder, Pastor Charlie Fields.