Loretta Mae Thomas

Loretta Mae Thomas

Loretta Mae Thomas was born on March 10, 1940, in Washington, PA to the late John Whitfield and the late Stella Mae Blackson and was raised by her Grandmother, the late Bennie C. Wells.  Loretta was affectionately known as “Suggie,” “Nana,” and “G-Ma.”  She transitioned peacefully on June 16, 2022, in Gautier, MS.

Growing up, Loretta attended Washington County, PA public schools and later obtained her high school diploma in Oklahoma.  After becoming a CNA, she worked for many years at the Washington Hospital in Washington, PA.  It was there that she discovered her passion for caring for others, which became her life’s work.  After leaving Pennsylvania, Loretta continued caring for people as she worked with special needs adults and as a camp counselor for the YMCA. 

While Loretta was passionate about others, her faith in God and her love for family was undeniable.  Loretta loved the Lord and faithfully attended church when she could.  In Pennsylvania, she sang in the choir at the Friendship Baptist Church.  In Mississippi, Loretta did missionary work with the Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church.  When Loretta was not in church, she enjoyed spending time with her family and cooking for them.  Her homemade rolls were one of her most popular dishes. 

Left to cherish her memories are: her sons, John R. Thomas and Christopher D. Thomas Sr.; daughter, Verlinda Thomas; grandchildren, Michelle Thomas (Wash, PA), Monisha Thomas (Atlanta, GA), Robert Epps (Wash, PA), Crystal Thomas (Houston, TX), Raechell Thomas (Moss Point, MS), Robert “Bobby” L. Thomas III (Moss Point, MS), Anthony “Chaz” Severns (Wash, PA), Christopher D. Thomas, Jr (Wash, PA); 20 great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Loretta is predeceased in death by her grandmother; her parents; her siblings, John and Caruth Whitfield; and her oldest son, Robert L. Thomas II.

When tomorrow starts without me, 

Don’t think we’re far apart.

For every time you think of me; 

I’m right here inside your heart.

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