Annette Jones Thomas
August 20, 1938 – June 19, 2026
Annette Jones Thomas of Shubuta, Mississippi, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the age of 87.
Annette was born on August 20, 1938, to Emily (Heathcock) and Charlie Jones, in Wayne County, Mississippi.
Annette is survived by her two daughters, Emily Thomas (Jim) Cooper and Joy Thomas (Kirk) Hughes; one daughter-in-law, Brenda Wells Thomas; seven grandchildren, Berry Allen (Mary-Ryan) Thomas, Courtney Thomas (Chad) Harris, Christie Thomas (Jonathan) Phillips, Thomas Penman (Molly) Cooper, Edward Reid Cooper, Darby Hughes (Joel) Whitney, and Tyler Beasley Hughes; and eight great-grandchildren, James Thomas, Madalynn Thomas, Collin Harris, Michael Phillips, Kayden Phillips, Avary Phillips, Iris Mae Cooper, and Hugh Ellis Whitney.
Annette was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Jones; mother, Emily Heathcock Jones; husband, James Allen Thomas; son Gregory Allen Thomas; and sister, Barbara Jones Mosley.
Annette and James were married on August 31, 1957, in Marietta, Georgia. They first met at a weekly Friday night square dance in Quitman, Mississippi, where James was a college student and Annette was a high school senior. What began as a chance encounter grew into a devoted partnership and loving marriage that spanned 48 years, ending only with James's passing in 2005.
Annette graduated from Central High School in Waynesboro in 1956. In high school, besides her studies, she played basketball and was chosen to play the lead in her junior year play as well as her senior year play. She continued her education at Jones Junior College, where she pursued studies in secretarial science.
She began her career working at a local appliance store before becoming a dispatcher with Miller Transport. Annette later found her calling in banking, starting as a teller at Heidelberg Bank and, through dedication and hard work, rising to the position of Assistant Vice President at the Bank of Shubuta, which later became part of BankPlus.
Annette was a woman of unwavering faith and a devoted member of Shady Grove First Baptist Church in Heidelberg, Mississippi. She faithfully served her church for many years as treasurer and was always willing to lend a helping hand—whether visiting those in need, preparing meals for the sick or grieving, or supporting church events. Her Christian faith guided her life and was evident in her kindness, generosity, and the grace with which she treated others.
She loved her family beyond measure and devoted her life to caring for them. Annette was known for her strong work ethic and selfless spirit. After long days at the bank, she would help at the grocery store she and James owned, then return home to prepare a home-cooked Southern meal for her family. She possessed a genuine ability to bring out the best in others, offering encouragement, understanding, and unwavering support. Her compassionate and generous spirit touched countless lives.
Annette found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved country music and dancing, gardening in the summer, and canning jams, jellies, and pickles. She was a wonderful Southern cook, and her cornbread dressing, fried chicken, and fried okra were favorites among all who knew her.
Annette will be remembered for her loving heart, her steadfast faith, and her life of service to others. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved her. One of Annette's favorite passages of Scripture was Psalm 23, from which she drew comfort and strength throughout her life:
“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Shady Grove First Baptist Church, 1220 Hwy. 11 North, Heidelberg, Mississippi.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Shady Grove First Baptist Church, 1220 Hwy. 11 North, Heidelberg, Mississippi, with Rev. Stanley Doggett and Rev. Stanley Downs officiating.
Burial will take place in the Shady Grove First Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family welcomes memorial contributions to The Shady Grove First Baptist Church Cemetery fund, c/o Darnyle Sanders, 213 County Road 39, Vossburg, Mississippi, 39366 for those who wish to remember Annette in this way. Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Submitted by Wright’s Funeral Home
