Ms. JoAnn Thomas

Ms. Joann Thomas of Tampa, FL passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606 with Pastor Prentiss Davis, Officiating.
Joann Thomas was born April 26, 1948, to the union of the late Joanna McCray and Emanuel McCray Sr. She was the youngest of 13 children. Joann received her formal education through the Alachua County Public Schools System and graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1966. She then went on to pursue higher education, earning her AA degree.
Joann's life relocated her from Gainesville to Tampa when she married Vernon Thomas. Their union was blessed with their child, Carla Calisa Thomas.
A dedicated professional, Joann worked as a Banker in Management for over 30 years. She served her community as a member of the Buffalo Soldiers Organization and upon retirement, she continued to share her talents and passion for giving by working as a Seniors in Service member. Through this endeavor, for the last ten years she mentored elementary children in Reading in the Hillsborough County Public Schools system.
Joann was a beacon of love and joy, finding immense happiness in spending time with her family, extended family, and dearest friends. Her love language and special talent was cooking for others and found fulfillment in nourishing the souls of those around her. She also was a talented Seamstress, avid dance Mom, she found joy in interior design and part time fashion modeling while in college. Her favorite pastime was sharing moments with her beloved daughter Carla, cherished grandson, Aramis, and host of special friends, known as the "Goldfriends".
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Joann is preceded in death by: her beloved family members: parents, Joeanna McCray and Emanuel McCray Sr.; brothers, Arthur McCray, Richard Harrison, Emanuel McCray Jr., Bennie McCray, and Edward McCray Sr.; and sisters, Ethel Mae McCray-Bryant and Edith Harrison-Myers.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories to be forever held in the hearts of: her loving daughter, Carla Thomas-Johnson(Dominique) of Tampa, FL; grandson, Aramis Jackson of Tampa, FL; brother, Earl Fisher (Olivia) of Gainesville, FL; sister, Yvonne McCray Buggs (Leslie) of Atlanta, GA; nieces, Sonja Williams (Brent) of Tampa, FL, and Connie Burt of Gainesville, FL; nephew, Willie Bryant Jr. of Gainesville, FL ; extended family, Vernon Thomas (Carol) of Tampa, FL; daughter-in-love, Candice Robinson(Kyi Robinson-Bihm); special Goldfriends, Gwen Robinson, Ernestine Butler and Lynda Croney; additionally, she is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and endearing friends who will fondly remember the warmth and kindness she shared throughout her remarkable life.
Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners
http://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com
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