Helen Ruth Thomas

Helen Thomas, 86, of Jonesboro, died Thursday, December 26, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center.  She had lived in Jonesboro since 1977, moving here from Lepanto.  She was born in Caraway on March 1, 1938, to Buel and Sylvia Wood.  Helen was a member of Southwest Church of Christ. She retired from her teaching career after 33 years teaching reading at Lepanto and Valley View School systems.  One of her hobbies was playing cards with friends.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted; brother, Billy Wood; sister Estelene Malone and one great grandchild, Blakely Thomas.

Survivors include her son, Doug Thomas and wife, Allyce of Jonesboro; daughter, Deanna Phillips and husband, Shelby of Lake City; brothers, Vernon Wood, and David Wood; sisters, Barbara Wood, Kathryn Bishop, and Judy Hook, all of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Aaron Thomas, Nash Thomas, James Teague, Sarah Yarnell, Jordan Phillips and Holly Anderson; and 10 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 Friday, January 3, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Emerson Funeral Home in Charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Jordan Phillips, Aaron Thomas, Nash Thomas, James Teague, Tim Yarnell and Kirkley Thomas serving as pallbearers.  Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 Thursday night, January 2, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel.

For lasting memorials, please consider the St. Bernard’s NICU, % St. Bernard’s Foundation, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis Tennessee, 38105.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.