Frances Thomas

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Lula Frances Thomas was born June 22, 1931, in Monett, Missouri, the daughter of Hiram C. and Oma L. (Coffey) Drake. She entered into rest on May 3, 2026, at Lacoba Nursing Home in Monett, Missouri at the age of 94 years.

Frances was a lifelong resident of the Monett area. She worked for Jumping Jacks Shoes her entire working career until her retirement. She will always be remembered as one of the best cooks, sharing her love through every meal she made. 

Frances was an expert seamstress and made most of her own clothes as well as her daughters for many years. She loved gardening and working outside. She collected salt and pepper shakers her entire life and had over 1,000 sets. In her later years, she loved to go to flea markets and collect knick knacks. She was a wonderful daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a hard worker her whole life and loved taking care of her family and spoiling her grandchildren.

Frances found strength and comfort in her faith throughout her life. She loved reading her Bible and attending Bible studies, even continuing to attend at Lacoba.

Frances Drake and Jim Thomas were married on May 29, 1955, in rural Monett, Missouri. They were a beautiful example of lasting love and commitment. After 61 years of marriage, Jim preceded her in death on November 19, 2016, at the age of 90.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy Marshall and husband, Jay of Monett and Becky Green and husband, Sam of Monett. Five grandchildren, who fondly called her Mimma, Justin Green and wife Amy, of Monett, Cody Green of Prairie Village, Kansas, Tyler Green and wife Danielle of Monett, Chelsea Simpson and husband, Dominique of Joplin, and Tanner Marshall of Pierce City. Frances had seven great-grandchildren: Hudson Green, Holden Green, Emma Green, Ethan Green, Faith Simpson, D.J. Simpson, and Grace Green. Also surviving is one sister -in-law, Adelma Drake of Monett and a host of nieces and nephews.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, and three siblings, Wilma Callan (and her husband James), Gaylord (Sonny) Drake, and Sue Luney.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 am – 10:30 am on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Buchanan Funeral Home of Monett, Missouri. The funeral service will be at 10:30 am on Friday, May 8, 2026, also at Buchanan Funeral Home. A Graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at IOOF Cemetery in Monett, Missouri.

The family requests memorial donations in honor of Frances be given to Lacoba Nursing Home to assist residents with personal expenses c/o Clark Funeral Home P.O. Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.