Born on March 10, 1933, in Livingston, she was the daughter of J.O. and Emma (Oliver) Loftin. Idell was a lifelong resident of the Polk County community she loved and served faithfully. She married the love of her life, Bob Thomas, on June 7, 1950, in Providence, Texas. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service.
Idell worked in housekeeping at the Livingston Convalescent Home for over 28 years, where she was known for her dedication and warmth. A faithful member of East Tempe Baptist Church, she was a pastor's wife who took great pride in praying for others and supporting her church family.
She had a deep love for music, and one of her proudest accomplishments was learning to play the piano. Her favorite memories were surrounded by "all the babies and grands", cooking their favorite foods, and sharing her love through simple, heartfelt moments.
Those who knew Idell will remember her gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and her joy in life's smallest treasures, like flying in an airplane for the first time or the smile of a grandchild in her lap.
Her legacy of love, strength, and prayer lives on in all who were blessed to know her.
She is survived by her daughters, Bobbie Poole, Aundrea Ellison & husband, Larry; brother, Johnny Loftin & wife Joyce; grandchildren, Cindi Fry & husband Gary, Ryan Poole & wife Nancy, Misti Mosley & husband Richard, Caleb Ellison & wife Cristin; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Grumbles, Jesse Grumbles, Grayce Fry, Owen Poole, Sebastian Poole, Nathaniel Poole, Joel Mettlen & Meagan, Nathan Mettlen, Emmah Wilson & husband Jaren, Ethan Jones and Case Ellison; great- great grandchildren, Wesley Wilson and Oliver Wilson; as well as many other loved ones, family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Otis and Emma Loftin; husband, William Robert Thomas; brother, J.B. Loftin & wife Helen, Jordan "Jerdy" Loftin; son-in-laws Ronnie Poole and Garry Kley; and granddaughter, Tanya Linn Mettlen.
A visitation will be held from 12 Noon- 2:00pm, Thursday, July 3, 2025, with a celebration of life to begin at 2:00pm, at Pace Funeral Home, in Livingston, Texas, with Brother Harold Isaacs and Brother Paul Mettlen officiating.
Interment is to follow at Blue Water Cemetery, in Livingston, Texas.
Condolences(3)
Annette Warmke
Horseshoe Bay, TX Thursday, July 3, 2025 Cindy I just view the pictures of you grandmothers memories. You are truly blessed to be able to call her grandmother. She love you as much as you loved her. Cherish your memories with her! Love you!Pam Slate
Crockett, TX Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Though I never had the opportunity to meet Mrs Thomas, as a friend to her daughter Bobbie I am sure she was a strong loving lady. And will be missed by everyone who knew her.Daisy Long
Buffalo, TX Wednesday, July 2, 2025 I am so sorry you lost such a special loving lady. She looked after my mom when I couldn’t be with her and saved her more than once from falling by calling for help. Wish I could have visited her after her move to Lufkin but started moving back home. I enjoyed our friendship and will always remember her with love.