Jun 27, 1930 - Dec 9, 2014 Omaha.

Clidie Belle Thomas was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on June 27, 1930.  She was the oldest of Marguerite and Walker Thomas' 12 children.  As a young girl she was known for leading her younger brothers and sisters on adventures and for fiercely defending and protecting them.

She attended Southern University and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1952.  Upon graduation she worked in the University's business office.  During these years she married and had two sons, Kenneth and Ronald.

In the 1960's, Clidie married her second husband, the late Rufus Cook, with whom she would enjoy 52 years of marriage.  They moved to Guam in 1961 and during this time she assumed her first classroom teaching position.  She also celebrated the birth of her daughter, Tanya, during these years.  When the Air Force transferred Rufus to Omaha, she secured a position in North High School's Business Department.

She went on to earn a Masters Degree in Business Education from Ohio State in 1965.

During her time at North High (1966-1974) she taught Typewriting, Office Practices and Shorthand.  She also piloted Omaha Public School's Cooperative Office Education Program.

Clidie left North High in 1974 to become the assistant supervisor of Business Education for the Omaha Public Schools, a position she held until 1977 when she became Benson High's assistant principal.  During her time at Benson High she took part in a cultural exchange program with the People's Republic of China in 1987.

Her retirement in 1994 did not stop her educational growth.  During this time she worked on and was awarded her doctorate in Education from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.  She also became an instructor in Vocational and Adult Education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and later taught at Creighton University's College of Education.

She was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, serving as a Deaconess, a Sunday School teacher, Dean of Christian Education, choir member and soloist in the Senior Choir.  She held membership in many organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  In 1993 she co-authored The Black Students' Guide to College Success.

In later years, despite he physical restrictions, Clidie enjoyed making gumbo and shopping.  In 2013, she fulfilled a lifelong wish to witness the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Preceded in death by husband, Rufus.

Survived by children, Kenneth H. Ridley, Ronald P. Ridley, Tanya D. Cook; granddaughter, Nicole Ridley; siblings, Walker Thomas Jr. (Shirley), Margie Thomas, Audrey LaMotte, Betty Winston, John Thomas (Beulah), Earl David Thomas, Bertha Morgan, Claude Thomas, Brenda Owens (Harry); many nieces, nephews and friends.

VISITATION Sunday 3-5pm at mortuary.

FUNERAL SERVICE 10am Monday at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 2501 Hamilton St.

Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials to charity of your choice.

ROEDER MORTUARY - 108th St. Chapel

2727 North 108th St.

402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com