Nunilon U. Thomas, MD

     It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Nunilon U. Thomas, MD (“Nunie”), on July 29, 2024.  She was born on September 19, 1936, to Ambrosio Upano and Edilberta Franco in Tuguegarao, Cagayan in the Philippines.

     She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Class of 1960 and later married the love of her life on August 22, 1960. Her first practice as a doctor was in her hometown of Daraga, Albay, in the Philippines. She immigrated to the USA in 1975, and continued practicing in Indianapolis, IN, before moving to Columbia, SC, where she worked at Crafts-Farrow State Hospital. After a few years, she completed a psychiatry residency in NC, then worked as a psychiatrist at both Bryce Hospital (Tuscaloosa, AL) and East Mississippi State Hospital (Meridian, MS). After she retired, she continued working part-time at East Mississippi State Hospital.

     Nunie is loved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and the rest of her family, friends, and community. God and family were the core of her life. She worked very hard in providing for her children so they could achieve the best education and career they dreamed of having. She was very supportive and proud of their accomplishments. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and looked forward to gatherings and celebrations. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping and dressing elegantly.

     As a devoted Catholic, Nunie was also an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Meridian.

     She is survived by her six children: Mary Anne Hanley (Brian), Leandro Thomas, Noel Thomas (Cleo), Christine Rigdon (Lenon), Maybelle Sparks, and Maylynne Wilbert (Rand); her grandchildren: Christopher Hanley, Pharm-D (Meagan), Matthew Hanley, MD, Lauren Hanley, Sabrina Thomas, Brandon Rigdon (Kenna-Lee), Dustin Rigdon, Jacob Rigdon, Grace Sparks, Luke Sparks, Sam Sparks, and Wyatt Pynkala; her great-granddaughter, Madison Hanley; and her sisters, Violeta Reyes and Eleanor Isada.

     She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Hermogenes Thomas, MD; her parents, Ambrosio Upano and Edilberta Franco; and her brother, Emerito Upano.

     Visitation for Nunie will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 5-8pm at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM CST at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 2614 Davis Street, Meridian, MS 39301, with a one-hour visitation prior to the services.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church.

     The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Nunie’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.