Obituary – Joni Frances Thomas

Published 1:17 pm Monday, November 18, 2024

Joni Frances Thomas, 68, a resident of Greenville, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday evening, Nov. 9.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, beginning at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Greenville with Brother Jerry Wilkerson and Brother John Girdley officiating and Dunklin Funeral Home directing. The family received friends for visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until service time. 

Joni was known as a very creative and artistic person. Actively involved in numerous activities within the church, the Ritz Theatre, and the community. She had an ear, love and talent for music and crafts. Her hobbies were many, including quite a collection of knickknacks, antiques and spending time in the garden. Joni had a love for southern gospel music and singing about the place that she’s now residing. 

She was born May 18, 1956 in Pensacola, Florida at Baptist Hospital. A graduate of Tate High School in Escambia County, Florida in 1974. She moved to Greenville in 1984. She worked for several years as a seamstress and had done so since the age of 13, often making her own clothes. 

She is survived by her husband of 23 years Steven Earl Thomas; son, Matt Thomas of Morris, daughters, Heather Biles (Husband Tim) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Angela Thomas of Alexander City; three grandchildren: Addison Lynn Biles, Charlotte Nicole Biles and Emory Thomas Moon; siblings: Charles Cole (Wife Liz) of Greenville, Randy Cole (Wife Hope) of Molino, Florida and Mark Cole (Wife Karen) of Pensacola, Florida and several nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, C.B. and Virginia Cole, and one grandchild Stella Jean Biles. 

Pallbearers were Tim Biles, Matt Thomas, Ethan Cole, Kevin Moon, Zach Cole, and Jeff Rogers. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of Greenville for the Children’s Ministry. 

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.