Frances Edna Johnson Thomas

1910 - 1995

Frances Edna Johnson Thomas

Funeral Tribute – January 23, 1995

By Her Grand-Daughter

Esther Jean Luna Cahoon

Frances Edna Johnson Thomas, affectionately known to many as Granny, was born on January 23, 1910, in Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas, to George Whitfield Johnson and Luemma Holland. She was the eldest of seven children and was raised in the Gilmer – Kelsey – Enoch areas of East Texas. She often spoke, most fondly, of her childhood in the South. She especially loved Enoch and told stories of the fun the kids had in the community and the closeness they all shared. She recollected on many occasions of dances, the visits by the full-time Missionaries, and particularly of her love and admiration for S. O. Bennion, President of the Kelsey – Enoch Branches of the LDS church. She loved to hear him preach and felt he was a tremendous influence in her life.

She loved people and said that she never had one best friend ever in her life, but rather, considered everyone her friend and treasured the relationships she had with people.

She fondly, and with tenderness and great affection, spoke of her love for her parents, brothers and sisters. She felt she was incredibly blessed to have come from such a fine family and often reminisced of her life experiences with them, such tales known to we, her grandchildren, as farm stories, which we loved hearing each night until we drifted off to sleep. As a child, I savored those stories and always felt that Granny was sharing a great gift…the knowledge of who my ancestors were. Throughout my life, I’ve felt that when I pass through the veil, I won’t have to be introduced, but rather, I shall know my kinfolk.

It was in Greenville, Texas, that Granny received her nurses training, under the tutelage of Dr. Ed Becton, whom she greatly admired and respected. He told her family that he never had a better nurse than Edna Johnson and missed her long after she left Greenville. She pursued a nursing career as a Registered Nurse, practicing in Greenville and wherever else she and Dr. Ed were needed, as well as various other hospitals in Southern California…A dream of hers, which was realized.

She married her pen pal and Art School correspondent, George Washington Thomas on August 16, 1938, in Rosemead, California. After his death, they were sealed on January 6, 1959, in the L.A. Temple. Together they bore only one daughter, Myra Jean Thomas, who was the center of their hearts.

Granny was a faithful, loving wife and friend to Grandpa Thomas. Her love for him was unconditional, as she was truly put to the test during his times of poor health, and ultimate four year heart condition that left him confined to a bed. She greatly mourned his passing and has for over 40 years. As a child, I recall asking Granny why she had never married again. I remember her stating, quite simply, that it would never have been fair to some other man. He could never measure up or be loved as much as she felt for Grandpa Thomas. We feel so happy that she is with her sweetheart now, never again to be separated.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who always gave of herself, sacrificing all she could for the happiness and best interest of those she loved. As her grand-daughter, I am deeply appreciative and thankful to Granny for giving up her own life to help my mother in raising myself and my brothers. She was always there, eager to heal a wounded heart, comfort a troubled spirit, nurse a physically ill body back to health, tutor a discouraged student, keep one’s deepest secrets, laugh, and shared in our triumphs and joys. She was even an active participant in the courtship of my husband Doug and I. Rarely did we have private late night conversations that she was not a part of, while on her way to the kitchen for more vitamins.

Later, she proved to be a great comfort and advisor as she assisted me in the care of my own children. She was always willing to help others and was especially concerned for her posterity…their safety and well being, physically and spiritually. One sister recollected Granny’s constant concern over her younger siblings, a “Mother Hen,” if you will. As I worried over my own children, in various circumstances, Granny would often say, “I know just how you felt. Ever since the birth of your mother, I’ve worried over her safety. As a toddler, she was so fast and could disappear within seconds.” She spent her life worrying over loved ones, and yet she had faith that, in the end, all things would work out for the best.

Granny has been a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – Day Saints. She loved the gospel and studied its doctrines and principles. She enthusiastically sung Hymns in church worship, I remember. She delighted in the work for the dead. Genealogy was, perhaps, her passion and she actively researched names, dates and places. If you weren’t related to someone, she could ultimately make you. How happy she must be to have come face to face with so many kinfolk whose work she completed or made possible in mortality. Through quiet example, she taught the importance of prayer, faith and a love for the Lord, Jesus Christ.

She loved to write short – stories and poems. Many times she shared them with we, her grandchildren, and I still remember feeling in awe at her creative imagination and captivating choice of words. I’ve passed on some of her tales to my own children, but unfortunately, they’ll never be told with quite the same excitement.

She loved to sketch, water color and oil paint. Each of her grandchildren could attest to this talented hobby, as they’ve gone to visit her and her whole apartment would permeate with the scent of turpentine. Her paintings will be treasured by her posterity.

Granny was an avid reader who loved all types of books. Each book stimulated topics for discussion and everyone here has undoubtedly experienced various discussions, or perhaps debates, on politics, religion or health issues with Granny. She encouraged thinking and allowed others to explore new ideas that may have been preposterous a generation ago. However, she had strong opinions and, at times, would not budge in her way of thinking.

She had experiences, in her mortal life, that taught her understanding and even wisdom and I’m grateful she shared her wisdom with me and with so many others. She has gone on to a new phase of life in our Father’s great Plan of Salvation. Granny was not a perfect mortal. She made mistakes and felt a need for repentance in her own life. But she possessed many outstanding qualities that should be more than admired, they should be remembered, treasured and we should implement them into our own character; thus, allowing a part of her to become a part of us.

We shall miss you Granny! We love you more than words can ever begin to express. The greatest tribute that I can give to you is to teach your admirable qualities to your posterity…to allow my own children and future grandchildren to truly know you. I know this mortality is very short and I pray I’ll use my time wisely and be worthy to be a part of your family always.

I miss you Granny and look forward to seeing you with arms outstretched and know that I am “home.”