Helen Virginia Thomas, 84, a resident of Lee’s Summit, MO passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born December 12, 1938 to Paul and Dorothy (Bree) Kneedler in Kansas City, MO.
Helen overcame a challenging childhood and found personal happiness and success throughout her life. She showed keen academic and social aptitudes as a 1956 graduate of Central High School in Kansas City, MO. On March 10, 1956 Helen was united in marriage to the love of her life, James Edward Thomas, at the First Baptist Church in Independence, MO. She started a 50-year career with G.M.A.C. only a week after graduation and weeks after marrying Jim. She began at G.M.A.C. on the switchboard and, through hard work, charm, and intellect, was regularly promoted to the role of executive secretary for the Kansas City branch.
Helen was an exceptional cook and entertainer, enjoyed decorating, and had been featured twice in The Kansas Star for decorating trends. Without fail, this passion was expressed through creative table settings for friends and family at each gathering. She also loved to travel widely with her family and friends and was an avid reader. Helen was smart, a beauty, and enjoyed being fashionable. She held high expectations of herself and others but was always a loving friend and easy to love as a person. She was a lifelong churchgoer and most recently a member of the Longview Chapel Christian Church in Lee’s Summit, MO.
Her family wishes to express their appreciation for the health care workers who provided excellent and supportive care, and her loving neighbors with their “NUber” transportation and personal support, all allowing her to live life to the fullest despite battling a rare blood disease in her later years.
Helen is survived by her husband, James E. Thomas of Lee’s Summit, MO; son, James E. Thomas Jr. and his wife Christine of Carmel, IN; daughter, Lori Kirsten Thomas of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Nate Thomas of Westfield, IN, Ben Thomas of Noblesville, IN, Rusty Thomas and his wife Nikkie of Gardner, KS, Avery Chadd of Indianapolis, IN, Evann Chadd of Carmel, IN; and step-siblings, including Joseph Barlow and his wife Dora of Blue Springs, MO. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Kneedler and Dorothy (Bree) KneedlerBarlow.
Funeral arrangements for Helen Virginia Thomas have been set for Friday, November 3, 2023 at Longview Chapel Christian Church, 850 S.W. Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, MO. Her family will receive visitors from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the church, with a celebration of life beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to The Alzheimers Association in living honor of her husband, Jim Thomas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Meyers Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Helen and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
I had the great privilege and extreme good fortune have had Helen as my secretary when I was in charge of GMAC operations headquartered out of Kansas City. This remarkable lady was a role model for our entire organization, always displaying a poised, gracious, engaging and competent demeanor, truly, a quintessential employee! Those of us who were associated with Helen will cherish our fond memories of this Godly Lady! My wife Virginia joins me in sending our condolences to Helen’s family. Rest In Peace.
I have known Helen since I was 19 and went to work at GMAC. Will remember all the great memories of dinners at each of our homes and what a great cook she was. My recipe box is full of Helen recipes. We spent many nights at each of our homes playing cards. We traveled together and dined out together checking out different restaurants. With health problems that would have put many in despair she always battled on to find the good times. She loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart. Leonard and I want to wish the family our condolences and to know she will be missed by many friends. Rest in peace lovely lady.
I had the privilege of having this beautiful woman as my aunt. She was a strong beautiful woman that I always looked up to. Aunt Helen I will miss you so much.