Addie B. Thomas

Ms. Addie B. Thomas, (affectionately known as "Ms Addie or “Bell"), daughter of the late Isaiah Thomas and Mamie Jackson Thomas, was born April 17, 1926 in Hurtsboro, Alabama. Both parents died when she was quite young, and she moved into the loving household of her Aunt and Uncle, Melvina Thomas Rogers (Aunt Dalt) and Adam Rogers, where she and her first cousin, Lilly Rogers King, were raised as sisters. They shared a close and loving bond until the Lord called Ms. Addie home on March 17, 2022.

Ms. Addie attended Mt. Olive School and she confessed Christ at an early age. In 1944 she married Mr. Howard Grant and moved to Eufaula, Alabama, wherein she had four children. Following the dissolution of that union, she moved to Chicago, Illinois and met her long -time companion, Mr. Governor McWilliams, and birthed eight children. (Both preceded her in death). She later returned to Eufaula, Alabama where she enjoyed a full life surrounded by her beloved family and dear friends. She was an immaculate housekeeper and was especially proud to receive the "Home of the Month" award from her apartment complex.

Ms. Addie was the mother of six boys and six girls. Matthew Grant* (Audrey), Eufaula, AL; Betty J. Taylor (Emmett), Columbus, GA; Shirley Lawson (Michael), Eufaula, AL; Marvin Grant (Sandra); Clotilde Thomas; Calvin Hearn (Ruby), Chicago, IL; Patricia A. Ivery (Alvin), Ft. Mitchell, AL; Brenda L. Jones (Morris); Danny Thomas (Nicole); Dennis J. Thomas*; Darran Thomas (Derdra); and LaTonya McWilliams (Darryl), Chicago, IL. *(Matthew and Dennis preceded her in death). She also was preceded in death by her siblings, J.B. Thomas and Catherine Coleman.

Zion Baptist Church was Ms. Addie's house of worship, where she was an active member under the leadership of the late Rev. G.H. Cossey and continued to faithfully serve under the leadership of Rev. Wash Williams. She loved her Pastor and her church family, and greeted everyone with a warm, loving, smile. She enjoyed reading, listening to music and talking on the telephone with her dear friends, and beloved family, including her grandchildren (33), great grandchildren (72) and great, great, grandchildren (11). Four grandchildren preceded her in death: William Anthony Cobb, Anthony and Matthew Grant, Jr., and Cassandra Taylor.

Ms. Addie was appreciative of the help provided by her caretakers: Ms. Geraldine Hudson, Ms. Felicia Walton and Ms. Derdra Jackson. She truly enjoyed their time together. She was grateful for the loving assistance and care provided by her granddaughter, Shenita Reeves, and the loving care and devotion of her granddaughter, Yvonne (Sissy) Grant, who provided her comfort during her final hours. She cherished her relationships with her cousins, nieces and nephews, and her daughter-in -law, Mrs. Audrey Grant; and a special friendship with Mr. Walter Traver and Ms. Virginia Quarles Glover.

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