Mother Ella Mae Thomas' Obituary
Ella Mae Thomas entered this world on July 15, 1937, in Goodman, Mississippi to Robert Scott and Lillian Ambrose. She was named after her mother’s favorite first cousin, Ella. She transitioned to receive her wings for her heavenly home on May 2, 2025, at the age of 87.
As a youth, Ella attended the Walden Chapel Church and Richland High School, where she was a member of the traveling Basketball team. She was so good at Basketball that her nickname became “Never Misses a Shot,” with only four remaining from her May 1957 graduating class.
When she relocated to Waterloo, Iowa, Ella was employed with in various occupations with Schoitz Memorial and Allen Hospital, Viking Pump, and retiring from Waterloo East High School Cafeteria at the age of 80.
Ms. Ella married the love of her life, then-Mr. Thad F. Thomas, who was also a Mississippi native, on July 20, 1958. To this union four children were born. When her husband accepted the call to Ministry at Payne AME Church, she accepted the position as the Preacher’s Wife with no hesitation. After the late Rev. T.F. Thomas became a Pastor, she assumed the title of “First Lady” with grace and eloquence, always poised and remembering the tips, styles, and etiquette from her former First Lady, Alice Ruckett. She was a quiet and faithful member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Mission, Mother’s Board, and as a Sunday School Teacher.
Mother Thomas loved good music, sports, walking, and dressing well with her gloves and beautiful hats. She enjoyed traveling to the National Baptist Convention USA, socializing with friends and family alike. When she resided at Mount Carmel Parsonage, her hospitality was warm, and she never complained about an influx of guests but always had an open door where anyone who entered felt welcomed and loved. Mother Ella Thomas was always willing to attend and be the chauffeur for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and any child who would call her to attend their school events. Because of her faithful attendance the late East High Principal Michael Allen designated a “Senior Section” in the gymnasium per Mother Thomas’ request, so they could support the students. She was the number one fan for the Lord’s Drill Team, even having her own tailor-made uniform. When her nephew, NFL player Paul Perkins, played Mother Ella would travel with the family to show her support. UNI Coach Tonya Warren learned about Mother Ella and Ms. Willie Mae Wright’s love for the game of basketball and provided them with game passes which excited them both. Mother Ella Thomas will truly be missed! Those who greeted her at the Heavenly Gates were her parents; Spouse: Rev. T.F. Thomas; Sisters: Lilly Ambrose and Cynthia Griffie, Robbie Paralowe, Alice Horn, Bertha Smith, and Mary Campbell; Brothers: David and Lee Henry Thompson, Hurtis Scott, and Earlie, Milton, and Sam Thomas.
Cherishing her memory: Daughter: Betty Thomas Greer. Sons: Thad F. Jr., Percy (Elisabeth), and Robert Thomas, all of Waterloo. Grandchildren: Robert Thomas II of Colorado, Blaire Thomas and Brandon Artis, both of North Carolina, Blake Thomas of Arizona, Miakel Lindsey of Missouri, Kevin and Carey Thomas, both of Texas, Maria (Rico) Anderson of Massachusetts, and El Sara, Essoria, and Ettore Greer, Jessica Smith, Keila and Tyrone Thomas, and Mykaylah Bolden, all of Waterloo. 16 Great-Grandchildren. Brothers: Henry (Senoria) Wallican of Waterloo, Willie C. Thompson, Charles Thompson, and Tim (Eronica) Scott of Mississippi. Sisters: Zenola Gordon of Michigan; Ada (Garland) Osborne and Marguerite Thomas, both of Colorado; Maggie (Joel) Elliott, Rosie (Rev. William) Perkins, Caroline Loveless, Linda Thomas, and adopted Sister Mother Viola Sailor, all of Waterloo. Godchildren: Diane Horton, Marcus Meeks, Natalie and Gloria Lott, Carol Hoskins, Sheila Hollingsworth, and Rev. Morris Anderson. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, co-workers, and friends.
The Sanders Service
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Share a story where Ella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ella you’ll never forget.
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