Lillie Mae Avant

Lillie Mae Avant, the daughter of John Henry Thomas and Willie Walton Thomas, was born December 24, 1917, in Paris, Texas. She was the 7th child born into a family of three boys and four girls.

Lillie Mae spent her growing up years between Paris and Arthur City, Texas. In Lawton, Oklahoma, she met the love of her life, Thomas B. Avant, and they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1947, by Reverend Eaves. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage before his passing in 1993.

Lillie Mae united with Maple Street Baptist Church in 1956, under the leadership of the late Reverend George H. Parrish. She continued her membership under the present pastor, Reverend Keith A. Ratliff, Sr., where she served on the Kitchen Committee. She also sang in the Gospel Choir and the Mass Choir. Lillie Mae loved to sew and was a talented and beautiful seamstress. Making garments and sending them to her sister, Rosie in California gave both of them much pleasure. No children were born to the couple so Lillie took joy in sending her grandniece, Elaine Norman, real pearls and cosmetic cases for a proper young lady.

Lillie Mae’s life was extended for 99+ years. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry (Shep) and Willie Thomas, three brothers, I.C. Thomas, Arthur Thomas, M.C. (Sam) Thomas, and three sisters, Pearlie Norris, Morgan Marvin and Rosie Mudd.

Mourning her passing yet cherishing her memories are two nephews, Gentril Lee Norris and Orvele “Tommy” (Fay) Norris of Paris, Texas; two nieces, Mineola Fortson of Sulsun City, California and Obedia Galbert of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-in-law, Marguerite Avant of Des Moines, Iowa; grandnieces, Sheila Hankins of Raytown, Missouri and Elaine Norman Morgan of Oakland, California; caring and helpful friends, Norman Weathers and Elaine, Beverly Guy, Tommie, all of Des Moines, Iowa; many great-grandnieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives; and the nurses and caregivers at Ramsey Care Facility.

During the last months of her life, she constantly stated to her niece, Mineola, “I am not going to stay here until I reach 100 years old. Now I am waiting on the Lord to come and get me.” She waited and He called her to her eternal home on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 – 99 years and 9 months. We all thank God for her presence in our lives.

Services will be held at Maple Street Baptist Church, 1552 Maple Street, Des Moines, IA 50316, with Senior Pastor Keith Ratliff officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 28. Lillie Mae will be laid to rest in Glendale Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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