Essie Myrtle Hammonds Thomas, age 93, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020.  She was born July 14, 1927 to her father, the late Sandy Hammonds, and her mother, the late Dora Locklear Hammonds.  She retired as a nurse assistant from Southeastern Regional Medical Center.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Ardell Thomas; a daughter, Catheleen Hammonds; a brother, Gonto Hammonds; a sister, Ella Carter; and a granddaughter, Pamela Thomas.

She is survived by five sons: Larry Thomas and wife Scarlet, Travis Thomas and wife Glenda, Gary Dean Thomas and wife Annie Bell, Alvin Thomas, and Allen Thomas and wife Lisa; three daughters: Sandra Kay Lowery and husband Sam, Dianne Scott and husband Hilton, and Charlene Oxendine and husband Bobby; and 22 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will take place prior to the service on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, from 2:00-2:45 PM at Oxendine Family Cemetery. Following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jerry Groves and Rev. William Cummings officiating.