Jean Thomas

Augusta, GA—Laura Jean (Kickliter) Thomas, 85, entered into rest on 11 November 2025 after a lengthy illness.

She was a devoted wife, married to her husband, Judge William Akins Thomas (LCDR, USN, RET), for 53 years. During his career, they lived in Jacksonville, FL; Alameda, CA; Omaha, NE; Washington, DC; Slidell, LA; Long Beach, MS; and Weatherford, TX. After his retirement from the Navy, they returned to his home in Lamar County, GA. They lived there until his death in 2015, after which, she moved to Augusta, GA.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Judge William Akins Thomas; her parents Adam Rufus Kickliter and Lauree (Hatcher) Kickliter; and her brother, James Rufus Kickliter.

She is survived by two sons, Dr. William A. Thomas, Jr. (Paula Haley) of Augusta, GA, and Andrew Fain Thomas (Mesha Merchant) of Seattle, WA; two grandchildren, William Akins Thomas III, and Dr. Kirby Neill Thomas (Samantha Searce); one great-granddaughter, Lily Jean Thomas; and a sister Kathy Kickliter Wenzlau (John).

A graduate of Pensacola Junior College (1959), Florida State University (1962) and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (1980), Jean was a dedicated Christian, active in in the church, and committed to Christian education all her life. She served on the staff of First Baptist Church of Gulfport, MS, First Baptist Church of Long Beach, MS, and the Naylor Children’s Center at Southwestern Baptist Seminary; and for many years was active in the ministries of Milner (GA) Baptist Church. She was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, GA, and was one of the teachers for the Grace Sunday School Class.

Jean was very interested in family history and genealogy. She was a member of the Jamestown Society (through John Hatcher), the Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the American Revolution (through John Milton), and the United Daughters of the Confederacy (through James Tinley, John Hatcher, and James Pye).

The family will receive visitors at the Storey Chapel of First Baptist Church of Augusta on Monday, 17 November 2025 at 3:00 PM.

The funeral service to follow at 4:00 PM in the Storey Chapel with Dr. Rodger Murchison officiating.

A graveside service will be held at Milner Baptist Church Cemetery on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 at 11:00 AM.

The family expresses great appreciation to all the staff of MYD Services, and to Trinity Home Health and Hospice Services for their assistance with Jean’s care during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either church in her name.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com