Louise Thomas

Life ReflectionsLouise Thomas was born August 16, 1925 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Odell and Quary Osby in Wabbaseka, Arkansas. She was born the youngest of two children. Hazel Lee Holmes preceded her in death. "When God says, go" we must do the will of God". On the day of August 26, 2011. " He said to Louise, servant well done", and God called her to be with him in her eternal resting place. Louise was educated at Mulberry School in Arkansas. She worked at Pine Bluff-Arsenal Defense Plant as a farmer in Arkansas in the1930's and early 1940's. After moving to St. Louis, Mo, she was employed at P.J. Hollaran and later Thelma's Hair Salon. Louise confessed hope in Christ and was baptized in 1938 at Mulberry Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. N. B. Donaldson in Arkansas. After moving to St Louis, MO in 1947. She became a member of St. Bethel Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Addison. She later joined Mt. Lebanon M.B. Church and Friendship M.B Church for many years and served on the Usher Board under the leadership of the late Rev. Hebert Becton, Sr. In 1980, she joined Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church and served on the Mother Board, under the leadership of Rev. Curtis Shelton, Sr. In 1997, she joined the First Baptist Church of Robertson under the leadership of her son, Rev. Cornelius J. Osby. In the year 1943, Mother met Leon Brown and to this union, Osby Odell Brown was born. She later met Joseph Scott and to this union, Cornelius J. Osby and Trent Osby were born. In the year 1948, she married Edward Thomas. To this union, Ethel Osby, Sheila Thomas, Linda Thomas, Eric Thomas, Cedric Thomas, Avis Thomas and Avery Thomas were born. "Mother Louise" had ten children and three step-children. Of all the things in her life that she cherished most. It was her children. She always made it known to all of us, that she loved us all equally. She reared us to be loyal, respectable and kind to anyone we meet. She taught us to always try to smile regardless of what obstacles we were facing. "Mother Louise" with her magnetic personality befriended almost everyone who crossed her path. Although she adored all her children, she always had room in her heart for many more Godchildren. For those who knew her, know that she was famous for making and receiving her daily phone calls from many loved ones Mother was the "epitome of strength". She was well-known for her encouragement to others and was truly a God-fearing woman. She was blessed and loved by all who knew her. She served the Lord and walked the path that God had for her. She led by example, to ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven". Matthew 5:16 She leaves to cherish her loving memories, Six sons, Osby Odell Brown, (who preceded her in death). Cornelius Joe (Patricia) Osby, Trent (Emma) Osby, Eric Thomas, Cedric Thomas, and Avery Thomas of Kansas City, MO. Four daughters - Ethel M Osby of New Hall, CA., Sheila (who preceded her in death) (Frank) Henderson, Linda L. Thomas, and Avis (Matthew) Causey. Three step-daughters - Edna (Albert) Blanchard of Chicago, IL, Lizzie (James) Harvey of Jackson, MS, and LueDella McGee of Chicago, IL (who preceded her in death). Twenty-eight grandchildren, Thirty-two great-grandchildren, many God-children and a host of cousins and friends. II Timothy 4:7 -"1 have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith..." .