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Meta Thomas Obituary
Cleveland Remembers
Beloved Teacher and
Public Servant
Cleveland Independent School District educator and former city council member Meta Garvey Thomas, 91, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015 surrounded by her family at home in the Austin area.
Meta Thomas devoted her professional life to educating young people. A native of the Republic of Panamá and longtime resident of Cleveland, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Bishop College, a master's degree in English from Prairie View A&M University and went on to pursue advanced doctoral studies in Spanish at Sam Houston State University.
During her five-decade tenure at Cleveland ISD, she served with distinction as a member of the faculty at Cleveland High School and the former Douglass High School teaching Spanish and English. She was sponsor to a number of student organizations, including the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and was an advisor to award-winning poetry and drama competitors for the University Interscholastic League. She also provided adult education classes in English as a Second Language to assist non-English speakers toward educational, social, and career advancement.
Mrs. Thomas was an esteemed civic leader who made history as the first woman elected to the Cleveland City Council in 1985 where she served three terms and as mayor pro tem.Thomas lent her time and talents to the Cleveland Library Board, City of Cleveland Charter Committee, City Park Board,Board of Adjustments, Chamber of Commerce, Precinct 20 Executive Committee, Progressive Women's Club, and the American Cancer Society.She also awarded college scholarships to deserving students through the William N. Thomas Memorial Scholarship, a fund established in 1985 to honor the legacy of her late husband, who was also a former educator and Cleveland city council member. In her later years, Thomas became a gifted artist who loved to share her paintings with friends and family.
Respected and admired by her profession, Mrs. Thomas was nominated for the 1995 Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers, sponsored by The University of Texas Ex-Students Association, for her exceptional abilities, and was recognized in May 2004 as Cleveland ISD Teacher of the Month. In 2005, the Texas House of Representatives honored Mrs. Thomas with House Resolution 859 by Representative John Otto, District 18 (Liberty, San Jacinto and Walker Counties).
The passion with which she approachedteaching was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her hard work and dedication to excellence in education have immeasurably enriched the lives of countless colleagues and students. She is survived by her son William N. (Bill) Thomas, III of Huntsville and daughter Nydia D. Thomas of Austin, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a host of family, friends and favorite students.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 816 North Blair Street in Cleveland. Visitation will be held on the same day beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Final Arrangements Entrusted to the Caring Professionals of:
Mc Duffie's Mortuary, Inc.
"Where Service Begins and Never Ends"
115 W. Hamilton St.
Houston, TX 77076
(713) 695-8400
1209 East Street
Cleveland, TX 77327
(281) 592-1963
Mira J. Mc Duffie - CEO ~
Efrem McDuffie- Vice President
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Memories and Condolences
for Meta Thomas
Sponsored by Her Loving Family.
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
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Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Meta Garvey Thomas
March 17, 2019
Nydia Thomas
March 17, 2016
Memorial video for Meta Garvey Thomas
'Hasta Luego, Senora Tomas' http://animoto.com/play/M8lxLJgmazgXnSJQSK8tlA
LaRuth Cleveland-Ross
July 20, 2015
To the Thomas family, trust in God to comfort you. He is watching over you, let Him be your strength and your guide. Mrs. Thomas was a great teacher, role model and a friend. She had a great impact on my career, as a teacher, as well as my life today. She has had a positive impact on many lives that will forever be in our memories. Thank you so much for your inspirations, happiness and kind spirit. She will be greatly missed. Class of 1970
Natalie A
June 15, 2015
May you rest in peace.
Jeff Wilson
June 14, 2015
I will remember you always as a great teacher during my high school days...I will never forget the Spanish club trip 2 New Orleans or the play"Beauty and the Beast". May you rest in peace in God's house.
Jeff Wilson
June 14, 2015
Thank you for all the special memories from my high school years u brought to my life...You will be missed for sure by all who knew you..Love u always Jeff Wilson
Lucy Rodriguez
May 26, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What an incredible woman your Mother was to share her gifts and grace with so many people.
Robbie Roberson
May 25, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was my Spanish teacher in 1983. She was a very nice teacher and I thought of her often through the years, her way of teaching was very effective. God bless your family Mrs. Thomas you will be missed.
Denise Aguilar
May 25, 2015
My heart goes out to you and your family.
May 17, 2015
Dignity, grace, beauty, ethical, integrity are just a few words to describe Mrs. Thomas as an individual. Dedicated, unrelenting, driven, kind, approachable, highly intelligent describes Mrs. Thomas as an educator. Mentor, role model, confidant, cheerleader, encouraging, inspiring, and so many other adjectives I could list describes the person Mrs. Thomas was to me personally. She encouraged me to succeed, to attend college, to stay away from negative influences and individuals. She made such an impact on my life during one of the most difficult times in her life and my life. I will never forget her nor could I ever thank her enough! Thank you for sharing her with us! May God Bless and Keep You during this time. Diane Nickson, class of 1986
May 16, 2015
To Nydia and Billy, thank you so very much for allowing me to share the caring, thoughtfulness and time that your mom so willing gave to all her students. Remembering always,
Delores Cleveland-Mikle
Dan & Robbin Wyatt
May 16, 2015
May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. Mrs. Thomas will be missed by all that knew her
Vickie Jones
May 16, 2015
Sorry for your loss, God bless your family.
Otis Cruse,jr
May 15, 2015
Mrs Thomas was a dedicated teacher and sweet lady.she was loved and respected by everyone.
Lee
May 15, 2015
My condolences to the family. May the family find much comfort in God's word at Matt. 5:4
Estelle Dobson-Cuellar
May 15, 2015
You are one of my favorite teachers. You always encouraged me to reach higher, go farther, and achieve far more than I ever thought I could. You have always been an inspiration to me and one of the reasons that I changed careers and became a teacher. God Bless You, Mrs. Thomas. You will be missed.
Beverly Standley
May 15, 2015
She was very well respected. Such a dignified woman. Will be greatly missed.
Claud & Anna McKinney
May 14, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was one of my teachers during my JR/SR years(57/58). She was my Spanish teacher and an excellent teacher during those years. My family sends our condolances to the family and friends of Mrs. Thomas.
odell&cora mcduffie
May 13, 2015
Our prayers are with you
Rev. Johnny L. Wallace-Mallard
May 13, 2015
To The Thomas Family Mrs.Thomas was my teacher she was a very beautiful lady to know her beautiful smile she will truly be missed praying for you all God cares and she's now in God's care.
Brenda Terry-Phillips
May 12, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was my favorite teacher as well as your father. She was beautiful inside and out. I enjoyed her Spanish class but most of all her being my drama teacher and her encouraging me to be the best I could be. I have been praying for you and Billy and will continue to pray for comfort that was promise from our Father to those that moan and peace from our Father that transcend all understanding. Love you'll!
Felicia Scott
May 12, 2015
You and Mr. Thomas were such an inspiration for all your students. Thank you for the light you shoned!
Clarence & Olivia Woods
May 11, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Brenda Wyatt Molizone
May 11, 2015
We are praying for the warmth of God's loving arms give both of you the peace and comfort that you need at this time of your life.
Ester Lee Thomas
May 11, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family. I was fortunate to have you all as next door neighbors, and your mom and dad as my teachers. My mom Pearlie B. Lee will miss Mrs. Thomas stopping in, to say hello, and so will I.
Effie Johnson
May 10, 2015
Ms. Thomas was a God sent Angel. She truly mold and inspired me throughout school. The Thomas Family has our deepest sympathy and are in our prayers.
Effie Cleveland Johnson
Effie Johnson
May 10, 2015
Ms. Thomas was a God sent Angel. She truly mold and inspired me throughout school. The Thomas Family has our deepest sympathy and are in our prayers.
Effie Cleveland Johnson
Carl & Wanda Edwards
May 9, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was a great lady, teacher, and an inspiration to the community. She will truly be missed. We Will always remember her smile and warm hugs. Our deepest sympathy to her family. The world has lost a beautiful lady.
Charles Colvin
May 9, 2015
Bill and Nydia, I love your mom and dad! They were special and treated all of us special. They made us work hard for our grades, but always treated us with dignity. Your mother was the one who comforted me after I had been sprayed in the eyes with pepper spray one day after school. I continue using the Spanish that she taught me. Bill, I think of you often, as you were one of my best friends my latter two years in high school. I've often wondered how you are doing and where you are. Charles Colvin 210-792-6648 [email protected]
Ashanti Abdullah
May 9, 2015
Meta made me feel like I was her granddaughter. Her infectious smile and grace will forever be in my heart. I pray for peace and comfort for the Thomas family.
Selena Dirden-Ware
May 8, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was the best teacher that I ever had my lifetime. She did not expect me to do well....she demanded it. What she demanded of me left a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life. She will be missed and was a phenomenal human being.
May 8, 2015
To the Thomas family and friends, my deepest sympathy to you all. I remember Mrs. Thomas at Douglass High. Her husband taught me and I still know how to do my Taxes!! With Love, David Goodall, Sr. and Family. Richmond, VA
Mark Colvin
May 8, 2015
Bill and Nydia
Your Mom and Dad were two of the best teachers I ever had at CHS. Meta relentlessly taught me Spanish; she saw in me a language talent that I did not know I had and to this day, I still speak the Spanish she taught me and have learned French and Italian. We were brats but your Mom always shrugged it off and loved us all the same. I trust your lives have been forever fulfilled from having such a great Mom. Much love, Mark Colvin CHS 1980.
Willie and Linda Jackson
May 7, 2015
As you go along this new journey know that Mrs. Thomas was loved by many. May our prayers give you strength and God`s blessing bring you peace.
Paul & Jennifer Manoli
May 7, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Thomas family ,so sorry for your lose but she is in good hands of almighty now and happy she will be greatly miss we love you Mrs Meta Thomas may you rest in peace
May 7, 2015
Curtis W Cleveland
Helen Green-Johnson
May 7, 2015
Mrs Thomas was such a beautiful as well as amazing lady. She taught me English and Spanish. Sometimes she would call me out and make me sing in Spanish. Loved being one of her students. My prayer is for the Thomas Family - may God bless and keep you, be your strength during this difficult time.
Donna Bertling Ward
May 7, 2015
My prayers go out to the Thomas family. Mrs. Thomas was a great inspiration. I was sharing a story recently about something that happened in her class over 30 years ago. She has been a wonderful influence in so many lives.
wanda aultman
May 7, 2015
Miss Thomas was a very great teacher to all her students herd she was the best ever one going miss her she in a better place prayers goes out her families and friends
Gwendolyn Guinn Taylor
May 7, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was a wonderful lady and a great teacher. My entire family enjoying getting to know her when she moved to Cleveland many many years ago. My prayers are with the family.
Kayla Bible
May 7, 2015
Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the Thomas family. Mrs. Thomas was a loving and caring educator. The Lord called home a beautiful angel. Rest in Peace.
Becky Want
May 7, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was one of my favorite teachers and a blessing in so many lives. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Debby Haas
May 6, 2015
Condolences to the family for the loss of this compassionate and great lady. She served others selflessly and left such a mark on the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Jamie Lindsay
May 6, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was one of the most important educators during my time in high school. She was a true lady and had a passion for each and every student in her class. She was a beautiful soul and leader. My condolences to the entire the Thomas family.
Jacqueline Chapman
May 6, 2015
Condolences to the Thomas family. So very sorry for your loss. You're in our prayers. Saddened by the news. We Love You All
Nancy McClain
May 6, 2015
My deepest condolences to your family. Mrs. Thomas was my Spanish teacher when I was in high school, and later my colleague after I became a teacher. She will be greatly missed.
Joni Jennings (Martin)
May 6, 2015
I taught with Meta for only three years at Cleveland HS, and held her the highest regard and admiration. God speed, and my condolences to her two children- your mother lived her life well, and had a positive impact on many lives!
Mike Penry
May 6, 2015
I had Mrs. Thomas for two years of Spanish in the 60's and she was truly a sweet and patient person. When she came into the bank more recently she always had a hug for me and never lost that sweet personality and NEVER AGED. What a beautiful lady. I will miss her.
Monique McDuffie Brooks
May 6, 2015
My sincere condolences to the thomas family. Mrs Thomas was a great inspiration to me in and out of school.
Tommie , Regina,,Sheree and family West Johnson Salazar
May 6, 2015
You will always be in our hearts Love you all so much
Carla Feller
May 6, 2015
Nydia, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you. May her memory always bring peace and love to your heart and soul. Hugs!
John Kiinsey
May 6, 2015
Nydia,
Very sorry for the loss of your mom. Sounds like a life to celebrate and remember.
Take Care
Danny Lee
May 6, 2015
Sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to Billy and Nydia,your Mom was a great women who dedicated her life to helping others. Growing up across the street from the Thomas family was a blessing,I have so many great memories of the fun times we all shared,I will always cherish them.RIP Mrs Thomas job well done!
Glennis Wilson-Kutchey
May 6, 2015
An honor to have her as a teacher in the early 90's. A beautiful and talented soul! Blessings to the family!
paulette wyatt
May 6, 2015
Beautiful lady inside and out.My prayer is for comfort and peace to the family.God bless you
Cindy Rumsower Young
May 6, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was an amazing woman, teacher, mentor, and friend. She was such an anchor of peace and calmness in the ever-changing world of high school. Mrs. Thomas was one of those people I will never forget and always be grateful for! I pray God comforts the family as only He can!
jade foland
May 6, 2015
Love her. She was a good teacher.
Yvette Perkins
May 6, 2015
Ms. Thomas was a inspiration to many that knew her. To Nadia and Billy; God bless you both and the family is my prayer.
Patricia Lum Yeager
May 6, 2015
Such a wonderful woman. She was intelligent, beautiful, kind, caring and a wonderful teacher. What a blessing to have known her. I love you Ms . Thomas. .looking forward to seeing you again.
Julia Jones Dishman
May 5, 2015
Such a lovely lady and great teacher.
My heart felt prayers to her son and daughter. Condolences, Bill.
Gloria Cleveland
May 5, 2015
Mrs.Thomas taught me Spanish she will be truly missed in Cleveland. To the family, so sorry for your lost.
Angelina Risinger
May 5, 2015
Grant unto her eternal rest, O Lord. May her soul rest in peace. She was a wonderful teacher and a special woman. Sincerest sympathy to all of her family. Angelina Risinger
Phoebe Foster Brooks
May 5, 2015
Mrs Thomas , was someone I always looked up too. She had such an amazing beauty and was such a lady in every way. Always loved to hear her say my name. P.J. Conroe , Texas
May 5, 2015
Mrs Thomas , thank you for being my teacher and my friend, you had beauty and class like no one else. having you and your husband as my teachers has made me a better person. My prayers are with the family . I think she is smiling, and happy she is with Mr.Thomas .
Bobby & Lisa Capers
May 5, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was a beautiful and kind lady that my family had the pleasure of knowing through her amazing daughter, Nydia. We love you, Nydia and all your family. Your mom was such a special person that we were honored to know. She will continue to shine on and live through you all.
JIMMY DUNCAN
May 5, 2015
I HAD MRS THOMAS MY FRESHMAN YEAR AND I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD GOING TO HER CLASS.SHE MAD IT FUN AND SHE WAS A GREAT LADY.ALWAYS NICE TO HER STUDENTS AND SHE MADE SURE YOU WERE TAUGHT
R.T. Lowe
May 4, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was a teacher in the greatest sense of the term. Meta's, like her husband Bill's, life was an instruction in the way to live.
Nydia and Bill Jr., prayers of strength for you and yours are being sent to heaven. Hugs.
May 4, 2015
Mrs. Thomas was amazing. I began my first year in Cleveland as a freshman as a Spanish II student. She never ceased to amaze me. I worked hard (or so I thought) in her class, and strived to do my best. I will never forget the day she told me that she thought I would be a promising student, if only I could shut my mouth. I still haven't Mrs. Thomas...I have been teaching for 14 years. You were an inspiration and a wonderful role model. Thank you for everything.
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