Obituary of Sara Louise Thomas

Sara Louise Thomas, 71 of Utica, NY was called home on February 12, 2023 Sara, also affectionally known as “Dean” by family and friends was born on October 7,1951 in Phenix City, Alabama to the late George Grimes and Emma Mae Thomas. Educated at Mother Mary Mission Catholic School and graduate of South Girard High School. After graduation, Sara along with young son Michael followed her mother Pauline Bass to Utica, to join her brother Kenneth Thomas. Sara with her affinity and compassion of working with people found her “forever” job of becoming a nurse where she enrolled and graduated from St. Elizabeth College of Nursing as an LPN. While her nursing career was in full gear, she continued her educational pursuit with Labor Studies at Cornell University. This became instrumental in her work as a Union Steward for the Nurses’ Union for which she served as a contributor after she retired with over 20 years of service from Faxton-St. Lukes. Sara was a believer of the Lord and you could hear the strength of her conviction whenever she sang. Her voice was one you could not forget and would bring chills of joy. She found the strength to sing at her brother Kenneth’s homegoing service. After retiring from her nursing career, Sara now had the time to enjoy the things that made her smile. First and foremost was her son Michael, although while growing up he was able to see his mother’s dedication, work ethic and integrity, she shared with him her passion for cooking and reading, One thing Sara also shared with all those within reach were her “Words of Wisdom”. It may have been one word or it may have been a sentence or even a saying, regardless you were not leaving without a new piece of knowledge and understanding. Left to cherish her memories are her son: Michael Thomas (Karen Brown) (NY Mills); siblings: George Allen (Jill) Thomas (AL), Shon Thomas (AL), Christopher Thomas (AL), Ronald “Ronnie” Thomas (AL), Vern Thomas (AL) and Sylvon “Mickey” Thomas (AL); special nephews: Tristan Thomas (Japan) and James Sims (Germany); The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Katherine Luther RHC & RC and to all who have reached out during our time of grief. The memory of Sara will never leave our hearts.