Juanita 'Neatsy' Thomas

Juanita "Neatsy" Thomas New Iberia - Mrs. Juanita "Neatsy" Thomas, 85, was born in New Iberia on January 7, 1931. She was raised in a loving home by Maggie and McKinley, and was the youngest of two children born to them. Her heavenly journey began July 27, 2016 when she departed this life at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice in Baton Rouge. Neatsy was in the first graduating class of Jonas Henderson Sr. High School. She went on to earn an Associate Nursing Degree, and faithfully served others as a Private Duty Nurse. She eventually became a Director at Azalea Villa Nursing Home, and remained there until her retirement. Her Christian life began at Star Pilgrim Baptist Church, but she was called to service later in life to St. John Baptist Church in Loreauville, LA, where she served faithfully to the end. Neatsy married the love of her life, Wilfred "Sunnyman" Thomas, Sr., and from this union had four children, Sly, Sue, Dude, and BaBa. Her focus on family and friends earned her the love and respect of all who knew her. Neatsy was a member and past secretary of the Ladies of Leisure Social Club, and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Those left to celebrate the beautiful, lasting memories of her life include four children,Wilfred Thomas, Jr. and wife Martha of New Iberia, LA, Susan Thomas Williams and husband Terrel of Baton Rouge, LA, Freddie Thomas and wife Frieda of New Iberia, LA, and Sharon Thibeaux-Richardson and husband Curtis of New Iberia, LA; a "special son", Warren Gregorie and wife Gilda of New Iberia; eight grandchildren, Marcus Thomas, Shanel Thomas Breaux and husband Dylan, Michalle Seals Rushing and husband Destro, Kimberly Seals, Brian Seals and wife Willette, Tiffany Thomas, Brittany Thomas, and Brandi Thibeaux-Celestine and husband Shamar; a sisterly cousin, Leola Boutte; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding her in passage to our Heavenly Father was her husband and Boo, Wilfred "Sunnyman" Thomas, Sr.; father, McKinley Jones, mother, Maggie Joseph Jones, and a brother, Lionel Joseph. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at St. John Baptist Church, 413 Teche Lake Rd., Loreauville, LA. A gathering of family and friends will be at the church from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday. Rev. D'Andre Cross will officiate. Interment will follow at a later date. Pallbearers will be Brian Seals, Marcus Thomas, Dillon Beard, Dylan Breaux, Shamar Celestine Sr., Destro Rushing, Wilfred Thomas Jr., Freddie Thomas, Terrel Williams, Curtis Richardson, Michael Seals, and Roland Seals. Heartfelt thanks to nurses Randi, Blair, Marie, LaTosha, Ezra, Toi, Dawn, LaShunda, and Charlotte; and to Dr. Dean and staff at The Crossing at Clarity Hospice. Speical thanks to Angela, Zach, Regina, and the staff of Community Hospice of Lafayette, LA. And thank you, Trenese Henderson for your warmth, love, and compassion for our dear mother. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560, (337-365-3331) is in charge of arrangements.