Jessie Elda (Sparks) Thomas, 91, of Brazil, Indiana, passed away at St. Vincent Clay Hospital, on April 10, 2020 after a brief illness. Her death was unrelated to the current national health epidemic.
Jessie was born in Clarkston, Utah, on May 17, 1928 the daughter of Lawrence and Gertrude Ruth (Burt) Sparks. She met John Thomas, while he was serving in the military in Boise, ID. After nine months of courtship Jessie and John married on December 23, 1945. They moved back to John’s home state of Indiana in 1946 and settled in Bloomington. Jessie completed her senior year of high school in Bloomington, while John attended Law School at Indiana University. After completing law school in 1948, they moved to Brazil. Jessie and John had three children: Jana, Jamie, and Joanna. Becoming a nurse had been Jessie’s lifelong goal. She attended classes at Indiana State University, then received her LPN Certificate from Ivy Tech in 1968. She loved caring for others and being a nurse. Jessie worked for several local doctors over the years including Dr. Oehler, Dr. Bannon, and Dr. Christie. She finished her nursing career working with Dr. Conrad, where she was employed for 13 years. She also was a nurse at Clay County Hospital in ICU and at Great Dane Trailers. Her work as a nurse also allowed her to volunteer with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH). She participated in several missionary trips to Santa Domingo and Honduras. After her nursing career, Jessie worked part-time as a receptionist at Thomas and Thomas Attorneys in Brazil.
The attribute that encompases Jessie’s life is that of a caregiver. She loved caring for her family and others, as it was a natural part of who she was. Jessie spent a great deal of time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her younger years, she enjoyed oil painting and watercolor and was a talented seamstress. Jessie was a passionate genealogist who had extensively researched her family’s history. She greatly enjoyed sharing her discoveries and helping others determine their roots as well. Proud of her heritage, Jessie delighted in telling the history of her grandparents crossing the plains in covered wagons and her grandmother singing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Jessie also enjoyed playing Solitaire, reading, writing humorous poetry, and tending to her flowers and roses. Most of all, Jessie enjoyed spending time with her family.
Jessie was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Honey Creek Ward. Jessie held several positions within the church including: 1st Counselor to the Relief Society President, genealogy class teacher, relief society teacher and a visiting teacher. Throughout her lifetime Jessie belonged to Tri Kappa, Home Ec Club, Red Hats, Eliza Rizley Stacey Chapter DAR, and Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
In addition to her parents, Jessie was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Kenneth Sparks (Aileen), Athlene Fuller (Richard), and Warren Sparks (Helen) and her husband of 51 years, John Thomas.
Jessie is survived by her 3 children: Jana Wilkes and husband Glade of Brazil, Jamie Thomas of Pocatello, Idaho, and Joanna Connors and husband Mike of Brazil, Indiana; grandchildren: Angela Ross and husband David of Avon, Christine Lorenze and husband John of Brazil, Nick French and wife Jennifer of Brazil, and Cassandra Parkins and husband Aaron of Brazil; great-grandchildren: Madelyn Hayes, Morgan Hayes, Makayla Hayes, Isabella Ross, Olivia Wolf, Emily Wolf, Kaden French, Liam French, Mara Parkins, and Celia Parkins; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Due to current social distancing requirements, services for Jessie will be held privately on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Burial will be held at Clearview Cemetery.
Should you wish to make a donation in her memory, you may make donations to Right to Life, 9465 Counselors Row Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 or the Clay County Genealogical Society, PO Box 56 Center Point, Indiana 47840-0056.
French Funeral Home, in Brazil, has been entrusted with her care. Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in her memory.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jessie Elda (Sparks) Thomas please visit the Tribute Store.