Elyse Joyner Thomas, 61, died peacefully in her sleep on February 16, 2022, with her husband by her side.
Mrs. Thomas was born February 7, 1961, in Memphis, TN, to Gayle Estelle Riley and William 'Tom' Joyner. Elyse spent most of her life, though, in Jackson, MS, where she met and fell in love with Neal when they were both teenagers.
Elyse could accomplish anything to which she set her mind. Her interests included traveling with her husband and caring for her dogs. She dedicated much of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members, including her mother until she passed away at age 87. Elyse's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her life far exceeded the quantity of time she spent on Earth. A figure whom many admired, Elyse served as an anchor and light for her family, which included a devoted husband and three loving children.
Enjoying her last five years in her esteemed role as 'Mimi', Elyse treasured the untold amount of love she received from her three grandsons — Wesley, Hunter, and Lucas.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Neal D. Thomas; sister, Susan J. McClary; brother, William T. Joyner; two sons, Scott D. Thomas and William W. Thomas; daughter, Morgan V. Emmons; and three grandchildren, Wesley T. Emmons, Hunter S. Thomas, and Lucas D. Emmons.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gayle and Tom; and sister, Jacquelyn A. Taylor.
A funeral service in her honor will be held at 2 pm at Grandview Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi on Monday, February 21, 2022.
Condolences and flowers may be sent to
101 Memory Lane
Madison, MS 39110
