Earlene (Willis) Thomas

On Thursday, September 15, 2022, the Death Angel peacefully claimed Earlene Willis Thomas at her home, surrounded by loved ones. 

She was born August 15, 1946 in Adair County to the late Earl and Jennie Vee Ewing Willis.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Kay Willis Scott, and Clara Lee Flowers, one brother, Ralph Willis. 

Earlene was raised with great family traditions. So, it’s so befitting to say that her and her late sister Clara reminded us as well as the other siblings - the true meaning “God moves in mysterious ways”.  Determination to make it to their final “Willis Pig Roast”, and no one was stopping that.

She attended Jackman High and later received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training in Bowling Green, Ky.   She retired from Phillip Morris in Louisville, Ky, and moved back to Columbia.  She continued her journey working for Fruit of the Loom/ OshKosh B’Gosh, and Amazon. 

She accepted Christ at an early age, she was a member of First Baptist Church, Columbia where she served in roles as Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of the Senior Choir.  She was truly a people person, and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Survivors Include:

Two Daughters – Tonya Thomas-Burbridge of Louisville, Ky and Crystal Diann Thomas of Columbia, Ky.

Beloved Companion – Edwin L. Jones of Knifley, Ky

Three Brothers – Fred (Jennie) Willis, of Louisville, Ky, James Mac (Antionette) Willis of Memphis, TN and Glen (Cora)Willis of Sacramento, California

Three Grandchildren – Jessica Lynn Houston, Tyler D. Burbridge both of Louisville and Aubriella E. Smith of Columbia

Two Great Grandchildren – Brayden and Bryce Hamby both of Louisville

Funeral service – Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Rev. K.F. Tuck delivering the Eulogy

Burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery

Visitation after 5:00 P.M. Saturday

Casket Bearers:  Tyler Burbridge, Reginald Flowers, Ralph Willis, Jr., Dana Willis, Shan Willis, Charles Willis, Jr., Nicholas Jones

Honorary:  Charles Willis, Doug Crowley, Joseph (Tiny) Smith, Vince Willis, Vincent Sanders

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements