June 21, 1947 September 26, 2023
Barbara Lanelle Thomas Pierson was born June 21, 1947, in Forney, Texas, to
the parentage of the late Ira Pierson, Sr. and Clide Baker Pierson. She married Jerry
Thomas, and they celebrated 56 years of marriage. To this union, one daughter,
“Buttons” Jaila Thomas Sims. She attended Burnett High School in Terrell, Texas, and
was a graduate of the class of 1965. She excelled in school and was a member of the
Mighty Tiger Marching Band.
After graduation, she worked at Texas Instruments and was the first black
secretary. Later, she would work at Dallas ISD where she retired after 42 years.
She returned to college and graduated with a bachelor’s degree of Science from
Kaplan University.
Barbara served as a faithful member at Greater Life Church and actively
participated in the Silver Stars for approximately the last 10 years.
Nana, as her grandchildren called her, loved her family. She and her sister, Mary
started their family reunion in 1977 and continued yearly until recently. She has
three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Nana was a BIG part of their lives.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Ira, Sr. and Clide Pierson; six
brothers, Ira Pierson, Jr., Edgar Pierson, Matt Ellis Pierson, Howard Pierson, Claude
Pierson, and Donald Pierson; four sisters, Opal Pierson, Elizabeth Palmer, Pearlie
Combs, and Christine Ward.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Jerry Thomas;
daughter, Jaila Thomas Sims (Jeremy); two sisters, Mary Stovall of Dallas,
Texas and Clidie Pierson (Bill) of Terrell, Texas; one aunt, Martha Harris;
three granddaughters, Raykelle S. Thomas, Markessia J. Thomas
Lester, and Kailyn Chance; two great-granddaughters,
Aniylah Rae Anderson and Cartleigh Rae Willis, and
a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.
Services: Public Viewing Friday, October 6, 2023 from 5 to 8
Homegoing Celebration: Sat, Oct 7, 2023 @ 11:00 AM
Greater Life Church-7031 Forney Rd,-Dallas, Tx 75227
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell, Texas