Ida Mae Thomas

Ida Mae Moss Thomas departed this life and gained her wings on Monday, December 23, 2024, in Newport News, VA. She was born in Edgecombe County, NC on June 23, 1937, to the late James Moss and Hattie Julia Moss.

Her family moved to Newport News VA where she grew up in the old Newsome Park community. She was educated in Newport News public school where she graduated from Carver High School in 1956. On December 5, 1959 she married, Wilmer K. Thomas, Sr who she grew to love and affectionately referred to him as "a good husband" which is why she said she would never remarry. He was truly, the love of her life. In 1961she and her husband bought a home in Hampton, where they started their family. She also attended and graduated from the Peninsula Business College. As time went on, she followed in her sister's footsteps, and hairdresser. Some said, "she could really lock them curls!"

She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Fountain Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. As a young adult, she also sang gospel music on the radio with her sister.

She was a faithful member of Church of Jesus, in Hampton for about 18 years until her health began to fail.

Everyone that knew her knew that she loved her children unconditionally. She dedicated her life to raising her children, her grandchildren and several others. One thing people knew about Ida is that she was feisty and had no problem speaking her mind. If she liked you or not, she would let you know. She was known to be a loving person until you messed with one of her children. In her younger years, she loved to volunteer in the community.

She was a Brownie Troop leader, she led a 4H Club back in the day, she was the PTA President at Bassett Elementary, Band Parent and President of the 3311 Club where she would hold dances and other functions for the neighborhood children. As long as you didn't bring trouble, all were welcome. She also enjoyed cooking for all the kids in the neighborhood. Everyone loved her potato salad, collard greens, fried chicken and fried fish. She began frying fish on Fridays which drew in all the neighborhood. It was known to many as "Fish Friday". All were welcome and it was no charge. She loved and was loved by so many. It was not uncommon for her to adopt you into her family as one of her own, which is why she was affectionately known as Mother, Ma, Mommy, Momma Ida, Grandma Ida and Nana by all of them.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, James Moss, Hattie Julia Moss; four brothers, Ralph Ray, Robert Ray, W. D. Moss, LT "Buddy" Moss; four sisters, Roberta Hawkins, Jaumeadie Rogers, Martha Lee Smith and Lovata Brown. She leaves to cherish so many wonderful memories, her four children, Wilmer K. Thomas, Jr. (Vanessa) of Newport News, 

VA; Donald C. Thomas of Hampton; Ida "Maria" Gardner of Newport News and Myrtle Thomas Martin of Newport News; her seven grandchildren; Nekisha Thomas, Marnika Robinson, Victoria Martin, Aaron Gardner, Joshuah McDaniels, Antonio McDaniels, and Jebrenna Jackson (Detrick). 21 great grandchildren and 9 great, great grandchildren.

She also leaves behind a few very special people, namely her special friend, Mr. Howard Greene, Jr.; Ethel Washington, her childhood friend for over 65yrs; Tanisha Banks, RN, her heartfelt granddaughter; Herman Hatchett, Jr., her son in love; Mary Lampkin Jackson, her prayer warrior; Minister Jean Parker, longtime friend for over 60yrs; Evelyn Brown, friend and neighbor for over 30yrs; her God Children, Wenda Ida English, Dexter E. Boone, Tammie Dailey, Edward Harvey, Corvette Speller, Phyllis Williams, Edith Thornton.

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