Edith Marie Eddins-Thomas

Edith Marie Eddins Thomas was born on January 31, 1948, in Mounds, Illinois, to Claude and Carrie Felton. Edith was the fifth of twelve children. She attended both elementary and high school in St. Louis, Missouri, and accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age. After graduating from high school, she went on to gain her degree in nursing, where she dedicated more than 30 years of loving service as a nurse. Not only was she loved by her co-workers, but patients treasured her even more.

Edith married Johnnie Eddins on July 7, 1963, and to this union, five beautiful daughters were born. Edith was remarried on April 16, 2003, to Leon Thomas, Jr. Edith. She became a member of Full Gospel Assembly and, later, a member of Lively Stone Church of God, where she attended for many years. Later, Edith attended Zion Temple and in her short time there, she left a lifelong impression on the members. Edith went on to find her home at Highway of Holiness. Throughout her years of church attendance and membership, she was a faithful and dedicated soldier for the Lord.

Edith was a God-fearing woman and a prayer warrior not only in the church, but for family and friends. She taught her girls at a young age that prayer is the answer to everything. Her message to anyone that was ever going through something was always, “This too shall pass.” She had a sweet, meek, and affectionate spirit, yet a regal and powerful presence. She was well esteemed and loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Edith was also a fashionista and loved to shop, not only for herself but for everyone! She also treasured family time and enjoyed watching a good classic movie. Edith was one of the kindest, most elegant, and generous persons you could ever meet. She was a living definition of a lady.

When Edith became ill, the family rallied together gratefully and with no hesitation. Out of respect and honor to her legacy of care and service to others we, her family, came to her rescue, to give her the same devoted attention that she lavished on countless individuals over the decades. We indeed embodied her spirit and became nurses to her which further allowed us to spend precious time with her. After a long and courageous battle with cancer our girl, who once added color to our pale skies, joined our Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 31, 2019. She transitioned surrounded by a circle of love from her family. She is now a star that shines above us during our darkest nights.

While anyone who knew her knows how much she adored her family, we know that she is now at peace and is savoring eternal life with her Heavenly Father. We can just see her now, with her stunning smile, walking down a golden brick road toward her huge, golden mansion. Edith was the epitome of beauty, and ultimately, the best thing that has ever happened to us all. She opened her heart and her home to many people over the years, and she will be sorely missed.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Carrie Felton; one daughter, Sharita; five brothers, Calvin, Claude, Jr., Sylvester, Oscar, and Henry; and one sister, Gloria Jean. Edith leaves not to mourn, but to cherish her fond memories: her husband, Leon, Jr.; four daughters, Ta’Juanna (Michael), Waquita (Michael), Dawn, and Krista (Michael); her godchildren, Joel and Wendy; two grandchildren she raised as her very own, Kyria (Le’Conte) and Lamont; a jewel great-granddaughter, Sha’Kyra; two brothers, Michael (Jackie) and Fred; three sisters, Berniece, Rose, and Mary; a devoted niece, Barbara; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren, which were all referred to as her “sugar plums”; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:29-31

Thank you for celebrating her life with us.

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