Ola Bell Thomas (Lansing)

Ola Bell Thomas was born in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia to Louis Preston and Lonnie Bell Thornton on December 1, 1930.

Ola moved to Jackson, Michigan in the 1950’s with her first husband Homer Williams. When Ola arrived in Michigan she started working for Shoppers Fair Department store in Jackson, then took a role with Community Action Agency for 13 years as a cook until retirement. Ola confessed her life to Christ at an early age.

Ola was a woman with a passion for life. Her love for flowers, particularly red geraniums, which earned her numerous awards for her beautiful blooms on Heather Lane in Jackson, Michigan. Cooking was another one of her joys. She was good at sharing, “you just need a pinch of this and pinch of that to make it right.” During the early years she also enjoyed fishing but most importantly she loved spending quality time with her beloved grandchildren. 

Ola was affectionately known by many names "Mama", "Grandma", "Madea”, “Mother” and would respond to all of her names.

Ola was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas; sons, Matthew and Harry Williams; granddaughter, Robin Acree Manuel; parents, Lonnie Bell and Louis Preston Thornton; brothers, Louis (Juanita) Thornton, Curtis Thornton, Willie Lee Thorton, and Eddie (Carolyn) Thornton.

Ola leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Shirley Williams and Pearl Williams-Ray; son, Alfred (Sherri) Williams; grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; sister, Annie Louise Richardson; brother, Jimmy Thornton; nieces; nephews; special uncle, Robert Kelley Sr. (105 years old- her mother’s brother); and many cousins. What a legacy Ola leaves at 94 years of age.