Karen Yvonne

"Sugar" Thomas

Karen Thomas 69, of Beaumont, TX; passed Oct. 03, 2024.

A Gathering of Family and Friend Services will be held on Friday Oct. 11, 2024, at Proctor's Mortuary 3522 Washington Blvd, Beaumont, TX; from 4PM-6PM

Funeral will be Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Visitation will begin at 11AM until Funeral Mass at 12Noon. Interment will be in Live Oak Cemetery Beaumont, TX

On November 28, 1954, in Beaumont, Texas, the late James and Marjorie Stewart Jones were blessed with a beautiful baby girl they named Karen. She was the second of three children born to this loving union. Affectionately known as "Sugar," Karen was a lifelong resident of the Southend community, where her presence was cherished by all who knew her.

Karen was baptized and received her First Holy Communion at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, the same church where her parents had been united in marriage in the early 1950s. It was here that she began a life dedicated to serving others, a commitment she carried throughout her life. Blessed Sacrament held a special place in her heart, and she spent countless hours helping her parish grow and thrive. Sugar was active in several church ministries, including serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Praise Dancers, and member of the Bazaar Committee and Fish Dinner Sales. Karen enjoyed playing B-I-N-G-O and taking casino trips with her friends and church members. She was also a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary Court #28, where she proudly served as Grand Lady. Additionally, Sugar worked as the church's secretary for several years, further contributing to the parish she loved so deeply.

Known for her fierce competitive spirit, advocacy for the underdog, and unwavering belief in the potential for greatness within all of us, Karen never shied away from hard work. She was educated through the Beaumont Independent School District and proudly graduated from Charlton-Pollard High School home of the Bulldogs in 1973 where she was a  Pollardette. She went on to earn her BS in Speech in 1977 and later, a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) in 2009, both from Lamar University.

Karen began her career at Lamar University in 1973. As a tall woman of color, she faced adversity, but none of it could dim her radiant light or stop her from making a difference. Known to many as "Ms. T," she was determined to impact the lives of students. Her office was a place of transformation, where she would summon you, tell you to close the door, and help you get your life back on track. Whether offering a hug, a word of encouragement, or a few choice words, Ms. T was always there to support and guide. One of her favorite sayings was: "The more I teach you, the dumber I get."

Ms. T celebrated every milestone with her students, no matter how small, and her influence was felt far beyond the classroom. She served on the LU Alumni Advisory Board, the Cardinal Club Board, and as an advisor to the LU Black Alumni Network from 2021 until her passing. She was also part of the Greek Alumni Reunion Committee for LU's Greek Life 50th Anniversary in 2006, representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and was a member of the Order of Omega Greek Honor Society. After retiring in 2011 as the Director of the Setzer Student Center, Ms. T joined the LU Retiree Association. She will forever be remembered for the magic she created at the Setzer Student Center, spearheading Lamar Alive events and student service programs that shaped the university's culture.

In 1991, Karen was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, through the Epsilon Theta Omega Chapter in Port Arthur, Texas. She was an active member of the Alpha Omega Omega Chapter and a proud Silver Star, with 33 years of uninterrupted service. Over the years, she held several leadership roles, including Chapter President, Assistant Secretary, and Ritual Chairman, among others. In 2007, she was named Soror of the Year. Karen also served in regional leadership positions and was honored with regional awards for her service and dedication.

On the evening of October 3, 2024, "Sugar," punched the earthly time clock for the final time, as her journey on Earth came to an end. The angels in heaven called her name, and she laid down her cross to receive her crown. Her father and grandparents were there to reunite with her, but most of all, she was embraced with love from her mother, whom she had loved and missed so deeply. Can you imagine the joy of that reunion?

Karen will forever be remembered as a woman of God, a devoted daughter, a protective sister, an awesome aunt, a dynamic leader, a true confidant and friend, most of all a symbol of strength to so many of her students.

While the loss of Sugar is indescribable, her legacy of unconditional love lives on through her brother, James Jones; her cherished sister, Gloria Jones; her beloved nephew, Brian Kelly (Yutonia); and her treasured great-nephew, Isaiah Kelly. She also leaves behind a host of sorority sisters, classmates, cousins, former students, coworkers, and lifelong friends who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts.

Proctor's Mortuary - Beaumont, is in charge of final arrangements, 3522 Washington Blvd. Beaumont, TX. 77705 (409) 840-2022.The guest book can be signed; words of comfort and condolences for the family can be left at www.proctorsmortuary.com.