Inez Thomas

Inez Thomas, 78, of Holts Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 5, 1946, in Lambert, Mississippi, the daughter of Lesly and Arlethia (McQuerter) Gatheright, who preceded her in death.

Inez was a devoted woman of the Lord who cared deeply for her family and her church community. She was known for her warm smile, humble spirit, and selfless nature. She worked for 22 years as an accounting clerk with the American Hospital Association in Chicago, Illinois, and later for Marshall Field's in downtown Chicago.

In 1969, she was blessed with a son and dedicated her life to raising her family. She was married in 1972 to Jewel Thomas, who adopted her son. She was a faithful member of Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, where she served as a church nurse, and later joined Apostolic Church of God, where she remained active until relocating to Missouri in 2002, after the death of her husband in December of 1998.

After moving to Missouri, Inez worked for Dillard's in Jefferson City and became a cherished member of House of Refuge, where she served as a "mother of the church." She later joined House of Prayer Church and worked in the home care field until her retirement.

Inez had a love for cooking and was known by her family as an exceptional cook. She enjoyed bowling with her church league and, above all, treasured spending time with her family.

She is survived by her son, Darnell (Lashunder) Thomas of Holts Summit; her daughters, Jewel Ann Brown of St. Louis, Missouri and Shirley Vilo of Chicago, Illinois; five brothers, Johnnie (BJ) Gatheright of Dallas, Texas, Jimmie (Torris) Gatheright of Chicago, Illinois, Wayne (Earleen) Gatheright of Muskegon, Michigan, Lesly Gatheright Jr of St. Louis, Missouri and Joseph (Rita) Gatheright of Jefferson City, Missouri; two sisters, Dorothy Farmer and Easter Gatheright, both of Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren, Brittny Artybridge of Murrieta, California, and Jazmine (Gentle) Duley of Blue Springs, Missouri; six great-grandchildren; two god daughters Tina Marie Cole of Jefferson City, Missouri and Kimberly Walker of Killeen, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jewel Thomas; her daughter, Roy Jean Thomas; three brothers, Levi, Luther, and Jerry Gatheright; and two sisters, Arlessie Tanksley and Francis Townsend-Paris.

Friends will be received on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at One in Christ Baptist Church, 900 Jefferson Street in Jefferson City, Missouri, 65101. The Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with a repast following at the Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com