Joanne L. Thomas

Joanne Lee Thomas was born September 28, 1934 in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Bernard and Juanita Hansen Hammons. She died on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in the Mitchell County Hospital Long Term Care Unit in Beloit, Kansas at the age of 73, following a long fought battle with lung cancer.
She grew up in Kansas City, and graduated from Wyandotte High School. Following graduation, she went to work in the art and design field for businesses such as Hallmark, Stuart Hall, and Happiness.
In 1952, she was united in marriage with Clarence Paul Thomas in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Two children were born to this union. They were privileged to spend nearly 56 years of marriage together.
After many years in Kansas City, she and her husband moved to Beloit with their son and his family.
Joanne greatly enjoyed ceramics and artwork, and spent time playing pinochle and pitch with friends. And, she cherished her time with her grandchildren.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Kathy L. Woodson; and one brother, Terry Hammons.
She is survived by her husband Clarence of the home; her son Keith and his wife Rebecca of Beloit; one sister, Ruth Storer and her husband Pete; one brother, Bernard Hammons Jr. and his wife Grace; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Friday, May 30 at the McDonald Funeral Home. Burial of the cremains will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice. There will be no visitation.