Lavelle Thomas

Gloria LaVelle Thomas was born May 6, 1928, on a sandy farm south of Ninnekah, Oklahoma, to Robert Lee McClellan and Ruby Irene (Rowan) McClellan.  Ruby Irene having passed away shortly after childbirth, Robert later married Ruby Lee (Smith) McClellan who in every respect became LaVelle's mother and was deeply loved and honored as such.  LaVelle passed from this life and went home to be with her Lord on January 17, 2018 at the age of 89.

LaVelle lived all of her life in the Ninnekah and Chickasha areas.  She married Billy Ray Thomas on December 21, 1946, and they proudly celebrated 71 years of marriage last month.  She was a member of the Chickasha First Baptist Church where she acquired many lovely friends and memories over the years.

LaVelle had a wide range of interests throughout her life.  She studied her Bible and excelled as a Sunday School teacher for many years.  One of her fondest memories was of the time that she and Bill traveled to Israel and Egypt, visiting biblical sites and experiencing the food and culture of that area.  LaVelle was an excellent cook who delighted in hosting dinners for family, along with many visiting missionaries, pastors, evangelists, and people in need.  Her interests also included delving into the family's genealogy and reading Christian fiction books.

LaVelle was preceded in death by her parents, one brother (Bobby Lee McClellan and wife Jean), one son (Phillip David Thomas and wife Kathy), one daughter-in-law (Sherry Thomas), one great-grandson, (Jalen Wayne Wyatt).

Survivors include her husband, Bill Thomas, son Carl Richard "Rick" Thomas, one daughter Gloria Gaynelle Wyatt and husband Larry, brother and sister-in-law Bry and Becky McClellan, sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Gary Sayers, 8 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and a host of loved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.