Jeanie C. Thomas, 61, of Columbia, Ill., died Feb. 26, 2021, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mrs. Thomas was a dedicated teacher in the high school classroom and home educator with Parents as Teachers. She was a devoted friend with a subtle and sharp wit and an incomparable gift of hospitality. While very private, Jeanie was a compassionate and caring person whose home was a sanctuary where everyone was welcome at the table. She loved to serve others "behind the scenes" and had a soft spot in her heart for the overlooked. She was well-known as an advocate for the disadvantaged and forged many meaningful friendships with other teachers. Born Oct. 31, 1959, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Robert L. and Melba (Turner) Kearns.
She is survived by her husband: Michael Thomas, whom she married on April 30, 1983, in Festus; two sons: Jordan (Amber) Thomas and Samuel (Sierra) Thomas; three grandchildren: Nevaeh, Noah and Graham Thomas; three brothers: Robin (Cindy) Kearns, Tim (Vickie) Kearns and the Rev. Matt (Julie) Kearns; a sister: Jill (Ron) Bradley; numerous nieces and nephews; along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 9 a.m. until a funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, at First Baptist Church in Columbia, Ill., officiated by Pastor Jonathan Peters and the Rev. Matt Kearns. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia, Ill.