Sue Parker Thomas

Sue Parker Thomas, 79, of Cantonment, Florida, joined a host of heavenly angels on December 4, 2025. She was born in Marianna, Florida, on September 19, 1946, to Charles McGowin Parker and Frances Cathey Parker, and grew up in Mexico Beach, Florida, where her father was the primary developer. She married Charles Gordon Thomas, Sr., of Port St. Joe, Florida, on November 1, 1968, after their courtship while students in the inaugural University of West Florida class. Mrs. Thomas to hundreds, or Sue, was a beloved kindergarten teacher in Escambia County, Pensacola, Florida. Retiring after 35 years in the classroom, her accolades included being the Escambia County Teacher of the Year in 1988 and Outstanding Masters student while receiving her Masters in Early Childhood Education from the University of West Florida. Perhaps she is best known as "favorite teacher" to hundreds of former students. Her annual "Teddy Bear Tea Party"-held at her home and complete with a surprise visit from Santa-is but one example of the type of magic she created for the children in her care. She was affectionately known as "Sue Baby" to her parents, and her dad was a Methodist Minister. She carried on his legacy of ministry by teaching art to the children of First United Methodist Church weekly for many years. "Miss Sue" worked tirelessly creating art lessons which combined techniques, themes, and inspiration from children's books, bible stories, and famous artists like Monet and Van Gogh. The children's creations were then used to create elaborate and exquisite art exhibits in the Henry Roberts Activity Center–some of which are on permanent display. Children of First Church loved getting to be in Miss Sue's class, some even returning for years as her "helper" because they loved her so much. Though she was a teacher to hundreds, "Mom" and "Gogi" were her favorite teaching roles. The same magic she created for students was created at home with elaborate Easter egg hunts for the neighborhood, Polar Express themed scavenger hunts for her grandchildren, making annual bunny cakes at Easter, and more. She never stopped teaching and creating special moments for those she loved, and she loved freely. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Charles McGowin Parker, Sr., and Frances Cathey Parker; a baby brother, Charles McGowin Parker, Jr.; and her precious niece, Frances Adkison Horton. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Gordon Thomas, Sr.; daughter, Lalla Thomas Pierce (Walter) and son, Charles Gordon Thomas, Jr. "Chip," (Kristin); sister Nan Parker Adkison (Vic), six grandchildren: Frances Sharp (Kenneth), Thomas Pierce, Gordon Pierce, Caroline Pierce, Chad Thomas (Katie), Missy Thomas, two great-grandchildren: Pierce Sharp and Theo Sharp, and many beloved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church Designated Funds (Memo: Children's Ministries) or your favorite children's charitable cause. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at First United Methodist Church Pensacola. Entombment will be held in First United Methodist Church columbarium. Pastors Geoffrey Lentz, Emily Kincaid, Henry Roberts, and Rick Branch to officiate the service. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.