Esmer Thomas

Esmer Thomas

Jackson

Esmer Joseph Thomas, 96, went home to be with the Lord three days before her 97th birthday, Wednesday, June 1, 2011. She was born June 3, 1914, to Ellis Joseph and Salema Maffrige Joseph. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ernest S. Thomas, Sr., co owner of S.N. Thomas & Sons; her stepmother Bessie Thomas Joseph; her sisters Marie Nicholas of Yazoo City, Gladys Nejam, Elaine Joseph and her brother Joe Ellis Joseph, all of Jackson. Esmer is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Unis of Dallas, TX and Marjorie Weber of Yazoo City; her sons, Ernest S. Thomas, II (Sonny) and his wife Margo and S.N. Thomas, II and his wife Prissy; her grandchildren, Deborah Migues, her husband Anthony and their daughter Ryann of D'Iberville, Sharon Humphrey and her daughter Madison and son Gunner of Irving, TX, David Thomas and his wife Margaret, John Thomas, his wife Tisha and their daughters, Kate and Kelly, all of Madison, Andrea Barnes, her husband Chris and their daughter Abby, S.N. Thomas, III, his wife Jennifer and their son Brady, all of Atlanta, GA, and Nini Thomas of Jackson.

Esmer was a graduate of Central High School, a charter member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a long time communicant of St. Richard Catholic Church. A native of Jackson, she was a nationally known artist, working in oils, pastels and watercolor. She has studied with many nationally known artists and she was included in American Artist Renown, 1981-82. She was curator for four years of the State of Mississippi Exhibitors for Mississippi artists. Esmer has shown her work in juried exhibits and one-woman shows throughout the area. Among her awards is the Grumbacher Gold Medallion in the Louisiana Watercolor Society's calendar and she has participated in charity auctions for the Hearts of Heart and Easter Seals. She was a charter member of the Jackson Watercolor Group, the Mississippi Museum of Art and Degas Pastel Society, as well as being an associate member of the National and American Watercolor Societies. Esmer's paintings are part of collections at the University of Notre Dame and the Mississippi Governor's Mansion as well as many corporate and private collections.

The family would especially like to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers of Sienna 1 at St. Catherine's Village who were so kind and loving to her for so many years. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 6 at St. Richard Catholic Church with visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am and a Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Richard Catholic Church, 1242 Lynnwood Drive, Jackson, MS 39206 or St. Catherine's Village, 200 Dominican Drive, Madison, MS 39110 or to the charity of your choice.