Thomas, JoAnn Carol 1957-2021

THOMAS, MURROW, MARSH, CROLL

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/9/2021 at 13:39:49

JoAnn Carol Thomas
September 5, 1957 - September 2, 2021

JoAnn Carol Thomas was born on September 5, 1957, in Omaha Nebraska. She passed away unexpectedly at Des Moines Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa on September 2, 2021. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Christian Conference Center in Newton, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Christian Conference Center or Girl Scouts. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

JoAnn was adopted as an infant by Lilith (Murrow) and Edward Thomas of Runnells Iowa. JoAnn was a 1975 graduate of Southeast Polk High School and graduated from Culver-Stockton College with a Bachelor's in Psychology in 1978. JoAnn fulfilled her lifelong calling into the ministry and obtained her Master of Divinity from the Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. JoAnn was ordained as a minister September 20,1981.

JoAnn spent her years as a pastor in many different churches. JoAnn preached at First Christina Church in Mason City Iowa (1977), Santa Fe Christian Church in Santa Fe, Missouri (1977-1979), Alton Christian Church in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (1979-1981). Davis Memorial Church in Taylorville, Illinois (1981-1985). Cumberland, Massena, Bridgewater Parish (1985-1989), Christian Church in Birmingham Alabama (1989-1991). Humboldt Christian Church, Humboldt Nebraska (1992-1994). Shubert Christian Church Shubert Nebraska (1995-1996), First Christian Church, Red Oak, Iowa (1996-2015). First Christian Church Spencer, Iowa (2018-2020). Indianola Heights Christian Church in Des Moines, Iowa (2020-current).

JoAnn loved the Lord and loved sharing her knowledge of the Lord with just about anyone that would listen. JoAnn was also the Pastor of the First Church at the Iowa State Fair for many years. JoAnn was not blessed with any children, but she enjoyed teaching any child the ways of the Lord. JoAnn enjoyed many of her summers at the Christian Conference Center teaching and mentoring campers.

When JoAnn wasn't sharing her love for the Lord with people, she enjoyed road tripping all around the United States, visiting most of the National Parks. She took many of those trips with youth groups from churches and Girl Scouts. She enjoyed tatting, crocheting and tie dying. JoAnn was a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. JoAnn enjoyed spending time with her family and her great-nephews and niece were the apples of her eyes.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Lilith and Edward Thomas. Left to cherish JoAnn's memory are brother, Chuck Thomas of Omaha, Nebraska. Niece, Erin Marsh and husband Donald of Indianola, Iowa. Great-nephews, Joseph, Donald, Ayden, and great-niece Lydia Marsh of Indianola, Iowa. Other special friends are the Croll family, many other cousins, and a host of friends near and far. JoAnn will be missed as a mentor to her profession.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of JoAnn Carol Thomas, please visit our Tribute Store

Services

SERVICE

Thursday 09 Sept
Christian Conference Center
5064 Lincoln Street
Newton, IA, United States 50208
1:00 PM ~ The Coburn Funeral Home, Colfax, Iowa 02 Sept 2021.