Jere Thomas

Jere Janell Johnson Thomas of Sterling City, TX went to be with Jesus on July 27, 2024 at the age of 73. She was born in Abilene, TX on October 11, 1950 to Len and Kaye Johnson. She graduated from Abilene Cooper High School in 1968 and from Hardin-Simmons University in 1972. She married Bruce Thomas in 1971 and their hearts would be forever tethered to each other. After teaching Home Economics in Blackwell and Trent Jere had their first child and went on maternity leave for 25 years. Bruce and Jere moved to Sterling City in 1978 and became forever enmeshed in the community.

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Words fall short of adequately encapsulating the Spouse, Mom, Nana and friend she was to so many, but here goes nothing.

Jere loved her community. For over 40 years she sang every week at the Sterling Nursing Home and shared joy and hope with the residents. Jere was a fixture in the ministry of the Church. She served wherever she was needed, including all aspects of music ministry, teaching Sunday School, working in all children’s ministries and so many other areas. With four kids going through SCISD and eventually working as an Intervention Aide, she invested countless hours impacting students of all ages. The Community is lesser today, but many generations are better for having known Jere.

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Jere loved her friends. She had the unique ability to establish a meaningful relationship with everyone she encountered. She truly wanted to know you and speak to your heart through word, action or both. The number of visits, calls and cards given to people at their time of need cannot be counted. She invested her life into the lives of others. Whether you were a precious friend of 40 plus years or only knew Jere for a moment, she carried a piece of you in her heart.

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Jere loved her family. She cherished her children and raised them to love the Lord. When daughters and sons’ in law entered the picture they were shown a special kind of love that made sure they knew they were part of a new family. In the last 21 years she became known as Nana. She poured into her grandchildren an indescribable love that will extend her legacy for generations to come. And then there is Bruce. The love they have for each other is as close to the love Christ has for His church as you will find here on earth. Bruce and Jere are truly one. The example they have provided for their family is an undefinable blessing.

Jere loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything that has been written to this point is a result of this love. Her relationship with Jesus impacted every aspect her life. She constantly prayed for her community, friends and family. God gave her eyes to see the needs of people and share the Gospel with them in unique and meaningful ways. Jere’s faith was not a belief or religion, but a relationship with the One who gave His life for all of us. Her life was lived for Christ and in death she has gained an eternal home with Him.

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Well done good and faithful servant.

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Jere is preceded in death by her parents Leonard Lee and Marguerite Kaye Johnson. She is survived by her loving husband Bruce; children Phillip & Molly, Lee Pat & Tiffany, Janell & Paige Dempsey and April & Drew Reed; grandchildren Kaylee, Reese & Becca (Phillip)- Bella, River, Vivianne & Madison (Lee Pat)-Heidi (Janell)-Meredith, Maggie & Bryn (April); sisters Ginger Humphreys, and Carla Efird; numerous other extended family and countless friends.

Visitation-Monday 7/29 from 6-8pm @ First Methodist Church Sterling City

Graveside-Tuesday 7/30 at 10am @ Montvale Cemetery

Celebration of Life Service- Tuesday at 2pm @ First Methodist Church Sterling City