Willie Jean Thomas

Willie Jean Thomas was born the daughter of Mr. Willie Walsh and Ms. Marie Whigham in Picayune, MS, August 23, 1951. She was baptized at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church in Biloxi, MS, where she was a faithful member until her death. She graduated from Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School. She worked at Mary Mahoney's Café for many years alongside her mother and grandmother until she changed jobs and accepted a position at the Palace Casino as Sous Chef/Supervisor until her retirement.

Jean was known to her family as "Mama the Comforter". She loved her family wholeheartedly and was always there to cook a delicious meal and give advice no matter how tired she was. To her friends, she was the rock whom those could always depend on. Her loyalty was above reproach to everyone that crossed her path. Jean was most remembered for her untiredly support to her husband, Mr. David "Duck Bill" Thomas, who passed away in 2022. As the coach of the Lady Angels and Co-Coach of the Biloxi Braves Softball Teams, she traveled all over the states with him, and their teams won several championships. Jean Thomas earned her heavenly wings Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25th, 2025, in Ocean Springs, MS at the age of 74.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Thomas, her mother, Marie Whigham, father, Willie Walsh, grandmother, Nettie Whigham, sisters, Willie Carol, Shirley Thurman and Kim Whigham-Wells.

She is survived by her beloved children, who she loved deeply, her sons: Otis Ducksworth, David Thomas Jr., Darryl (Deshannon) Thomas; daughter: beloved Kim Kelly; brothers: Arthur (Honeyboy) Whigham, Jackson, MS, Michael Whigham, Biloxi, MS; sisters: Myrtle (Milton) Webb, Pacomia CA, Patricia (Larry) Jackson, Missouri City, TX, Carolyn (Eddie) Mitchell, Anchorage, AK; brother-in-law: Albert Wells; beloved grandchildren: Key' Ana Kelly, Ke'On Kelly, Brianna Ducksworth, Otis Ducksworth Jr, Kaitlyn Thomas, Kearstin Thomas, Tiara Lenior, Darryl Thomas Jr., Zyion Thomas and Braylan Thomas; her loving special daughters whom she loved and cherished: Mrs. Tameka and Tina Campbell; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and close friends.

The Family of the late Willie Jean Thomas wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this time of bereavement. May God Bless and Keep You! Special Thank You to Mary Mahoney's and The Palace Casino Resorts for their relentless efforts and kindness.

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