Avanell Smith Thomas

Avanell was born September 27, 1930 in Knox City, Texas to Verda Mae and Robert Clyde Smith. She graduated as valedictorian from Ralls High School. She married James Porter Thomas in 1950 at Lubbock. Avanell earned her bachelor degree in education from Texas Women's University in Ft. Worth in 1970. She taught kindergarten in Pickerington, Ohio from 1973-1980. The family then moved to Lubbock, where she taught for the Lubbock school district from 1981-1994, when she retired. She moved to Amarillo in 2010. Avanell was a devoted Christian. She taught Sunday school all her adult life until 2010. She was a member of Coulter Road Baptist Church and loved singing in Joy Singers there. She adored her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed visits from her great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend special thanks to Coulter Road Baptist Church for how incredibly loved Avanell felt throughout her time there. They would also like to thank Lisa and staff at Abundant Blessing for their loving care over the last two years, as well as Home Care Connections, and Kindred Hospice. Survivors include two sons, James Dale Thomas and wife Saleta of Ft. Worth, Clyde Mark Thomas and husband Craig Thibodeau of Austin; one daughter, Gail Stennis of Amarillo; her niece, Dwana Satterwhite and husband, David of Breckenridge, TX; eight grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James Porter Thomas in 1999; her sister, Clydene Henry in 2012; a grandson, James Allen Thomas in 1988; and her son-in-law, Samuel David Stennis in 2008. The family suggests memorials be made to Abundant Blessing, PO Box 51391, Amarillo, Texas 79159; or Coulter Road Baptist Church, 4108 Coulter St, Amarillo, Texas 79109. Please sign our online guestbook at coxfuneralhomeamarillo.com

Visitation Schedule

Cox Funeral Home 4180 Canyon Drive Amarillo, TX 79109 Sunday, March 05, 2017 6:00-7:00 pm

Service Schedule

Memorial Service Coulter Road Baptist Church 4108 Coulter St. Amarillo, TX Monday, March 06, 2017 10:00 am Graveside Service Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park Lubbock, TX Monday, March 06, 2017 3:00 pm

Burial Schedule

Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park Lubbock , TX

Memorial Contributions

Abundant Blessing PO Box 51391 Amarillo, TX 79159 Coulter Road Baptist Church 4108 Coulter St. Amarillo, TX 79109