Gail Thomas

Brenda Gail Thomas

1951 - 2019

Gail Thomas, age 67, passed away on May 6, 2019. She was born on November 30, 1951 in Silsbee, TX to Norman Hiawatha Odom Sr. and Betty Lou Hargraves Odom.

Happy and loving, Brenda Gail was a simple country girl that loved people and loved life, a life that she lived her own way and to the fullest. She was just a lot of fun; a real live wire, she was entertaining to be around and, with a warped sense of humor, could make a joke out of just about any situation. Raised in Odomville, she spent countless hours outdoors hunting, camping and fishing: learning how to skin a deer better than most men and igniting a lifelong passion for “Perch Jerking”, or perch fishing, in any creek or pond that she could find. It was all about family for Gail, she loved to be at home, spending time with, and caring for, her loved ones. With her giving heart, Gail enjoyed cooking for people; finding a way to fix a meal even if there was nothing to eat, she could feed dozens, often welcoming many into her home. She was a cool mom that enjoyed playing board games, dominos and cards with her children and family, and with her competitive spirit, she would try to win by any means necessary. Gail knew the Lord; carrying the words of scripture in her heart, she would express them in her own way to instruct and exhort her children. Later in years, she met the love of her life, Doug Thomas, and they dated for a time. They were perfect for each other, a fully complementing match. As they sat at home one day keeping grandchildren, he turned to Gail and said, “Why don’t we get married?”, and with an affirming smile, she said “Ok”. On November 9, 2001 they sealed their love in marriage, and they spent the next 16 years, until his death in 2017, together and in love. Gail would often say of Doug that he “wasn’t real pretty, and had little feet, but he sure was sweet!”; he shared her unique sense of humor. Doug was a good man, good to her, and they waited on one another hand and foot; she was “Gail”, unless he wanted some ice cream, then he would call out “Brenda, bring me some ice cream!”, to get her attention! Always a caretaker, she was loving and compassionate, caring for many sick, needy people; if Gail saw an opportunity to help. even if she did not like the person, she opened her heart unconditionally to their present need. “Nanny”, “Granny Gail” or “Maw Maw”, as she was affectionately known, loved her grandchildren, and they loved her. Gail’s fun-loving nature, penchant to live life in her own way, and legacy of caring and giving will be missed by all her loved ones, whom she fully devoted her life and heart to. After a long battle with ill-health, Gail was ready to see and be reunited with Doug again. She leaves many fond memories in the hearts of those she touched, and as well as passing on her colorful sense of humor, she would want everyone to know that she loved them and that “whatever you do, don’t drink my last coke.”

Left to honor her memory are her sons, Lonzo “Bo” Lewis of Woodville, TX and Joseph Lewis of Woodville, TX; daughters, Amber Syed of Woodville, TX and Heather Owens and husband, Shawne, of Woodville, TX; brother, Norman “Scooter” Odom Jr. of Troup, TX; sister, Skipper Odom Faircloth and husband, Dwight, of Colmesneil, TX; grandchildren, Jake Hood, Justin Lewis, Kayla Hartless and husband, Daniel, Kyle Lewis, Taylor Lewis, Matthew Lewis, KC Lewis, Quays Syed, Cheridan Lewis and Karlie Lewis; 4 great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Doug Thomas; her parents; sister, Ginger Reynolds; and grandchildren, Kane Lewis and Anna Lewis.

Memorial Visitation with family and friends will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2019, at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St., Lumberton, TX 77657.

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