Enid Thomas

Enid LaVerne (Keener) Thomas was called home to be with our Lord and Savor Jesus.  She passed with loved ones by her side.

She was preceded in heaven by her parents, Emory and Lola Keener, sister, June Alread, one brother, Albert Kenneth, husband, Jim K Thomas, and daughter Phyllis K Ryals.

She is survived by her brother William Arlington Keener, children Shirley Stout, Jim K Thomas Jr., and Michelle Thomas (Deno Sullins). 8 Grandchildren: Jim Stout, Natalie Pierce, Bill Lang, Jeannie Wexchler , Kristina Hamlin, Ashley Harris, Casey Sharpe, and Michael Steele.  Four bonus grandchildren, 28 Great (and bonus) Grandchildren, 7 Great-Great Grandchildren.  Many more in-laws (in-loves), cousins, nieces, nephews, and greats of those, family, and friends.

Enid became a hairdresser in Lubbock and had her own beauty shop while there. She had no money to pay rent or make a deposit, so she talked the owner into letting her paint his building for down payment.

She always said, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”.  She liked to change her hair style and colors (even wild ones) because she said, “if I don’t do it, how can I get my clients to try it!?”  She loved country dancing, dressing up for parties, throwing parties and cooking.  She was born in a time of no running water, no appliances, no refrigerator, washer/dryer, A/C, cars, phones, TV’s, etc.  It’s amazing to think about all she has seen develop over the years.  As a young girl she started with 250 chickens to raise and sell the eggs for her spending money (and for the best fried chicken ever).  The farm was mainly for raising cotton, but they also had pigs, cows, and a 2-acre garden, canned their fruits and vegetables.  Homemade jam was an all-day thing, but delicious.

Enid travelled across the world with her husband who was in the Air Force and civil service.  She lived in Japan and Guam twice, Australia, Iran, multiple states, visited Mexico, Fiji, Tahiti, England, Germany, Persian Gulf, and Hawaii.  She loved doing whatever the culture there was, especially the food, attire, and dance…” When in Rome, do as they do!” she’d say.  She also said to enjoy the moment and do it all, buy that thing, because you never know if you’ll ever get to pass this way again.  Her joy, positivity and smile were infectious.  She always had coffee or tea for you and if it was mealtime, just “pull-up a seat” there’s always enough to share.  She’d give you the last bite and say she was full anyway.   She was quick to forgive and forget.

She loved spending time with her friends and family, anytime and anywhere.

Generous, funny, encourager, hugger, kisser.    Oh me Oh My Oh, How we’re gonna’ miss her!

We are better people for having her in our lives, she loved us, and we so love her, still.

She is in heaven now watching the best sunrises ever, on the porch with Jesus, her smile adds to our sunshine.  She gets to dance every day and has no kind of pain.

If flowers grow in heaven Lord, then pick a bunch for me then place them in my Nonnie’s arms and tell her they’re from me.  Tell her that I love and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.    Unknown