Karla Michelle Thomas

Karla Michelle Thomas was born September 4, 1973, in New Orleans, LA to Bill “BG” Thomas and Margie Kirkley. She was raised by her beloved Uncle Louis Davis aka “Buddy Rup” and Aunt Kitty Davis in Haughton. Karla entered the arms of Jesus Thursday, May 22, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving and faithful family. Services will be held at Kilpatrick’s Rose Neath Chapel in Minden on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:00 with visitation beginning at 10:00. Interment will immediately follow at Bethel Cemetery in Martin, LA. Officiating will be Karla’s cousin Tim Yelvington.

After graduating the Bossier Life-skills Center through Bossier High School in 1995, Karla spent many years in Northwest Louisiana Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, where she not only carried the torch but participated in just about every activity they offered. Her favorite sports were softball, bowling and bocce. Karla won many gold medals and other awards and was named Athlete of the Year. She was the spokesperson for Special Olympics Outreach Program where she boldly spoke in front of 250 people. Karla was overjoyed at the World Games in Connecticut when Tracy Byrd placed her medal around her neck. Karla swore she would never wash the spot he touched ever again. Later, that same evening Karla would get an even bigger thrill when she got to sing on stage with Michelle Wright. She loved to dance and would often attend the formal ball with her friend Sean Paul. Her greatest loves were the Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team and Texas Walker Ranger/Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris was her inspiration to get her 2nd degree Black Belt in Karate. She even loved to refer to herself as Karla Michelle Walker or Mrs. Chuck Norris. Karla worked at Outback Steakhouse where she wrapped silverware and filled salt and pepper shakers. She was also a member of the Barksdale Bowling League. Through her love of horses she took on the task of training miniature horses in Shreveport. She earned some treasured awards and ribbons at the Texas State Fair thanks to those tiny horses.

Karla never met a stranger. If you knew Karla, then you knew that to be in the same room with Karla always meant a great big hug was coming. She loved to hug. Karla would work a room like a politician, speaking to everyone, even the ones that didn’t want to be spoken to.

Karla was preceded in death by her Uncle Louis Davis, mother Margie Kirkley, Aunt Dorothy Trent, Uncle Coy Trent, Uncle Carl Walker, Cousin Mike Walker and step brother Paul Maxwell.

Karla is survived by her Aunt Kitty Davis, father Bill Thomas (Marlene), brothers Mark Davis (Joy) and Stuart Taylor; sister Sheryl Taylor; Aunt Sue Walker; nephews Jeremy Evans, Stetson Davis (Siobhan), and Chance Maxwell (Mallory); niece Alex Gray (Ben); great nieces and nephews Tucker Evans, Braxton Gray, Jagger Gray, Shelby Gray, Dixie Davis and Magnolia Davis; numerous cousins that Karla called her “favorite people” and best friend Jennifer D’Amato.

Pallbearers will be Karl Cockrell, Ben Gray, Scott Muscutt, Kason Muscutt, Billy Crawford and Bobby Igo III.

Honorary pallbearers will be Claude Reeves, Bobby Igo Jr., Peyton Igo, Karon Garlington, Royce Green, members of Shreveport Mudbugs organization, members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and members of LDWF.

The family would like to thank the staffs at the ARC of Caddo Bossier and Passages Hospice in Minden, LA for their compassionate care during Karla’s final days. You guys go above and beyond, and you are truly a blessing. Cheryl Gray and Ashley Lee, you will never be forgotten for all the love you gave Karla. Thank you.

“I have Down Syndrome.

But I am not Down Syndrome.”

Matthew 19:14:

"But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"