Javene Gillis Thomas

1935 - January 25, 2023

MRS. ELIZABETH JAVENE GILLIS THOMAS, age 87, of Eastman, GA, died Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at her residence.

Obituary for Javene Gillis Thomas

MRS. ELIZABETH JAVENE GILLIS THOMAS, age 87, of Eastman, GA, died Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at her residence.

 Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Friday, January 27, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Larry Wilbanks and Rev. Daniel Folds officiating, with interment in Zebulon Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Mrs. Thomas was born in Eastman in 1935 and was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church. As a child she lived with her family on a farm in Chauncey and attended Dodge County Schools before marrying J.W. “Doc” Sheffield in 1949. She and Doc had three sons before Doc passed away in 1969. She worked several textile jobs over the years while raising her family. In 1972 she married her husband Sidney Everett Thomas, and they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage until the present day. Mrs. Thomas worked several jobs including C&J Manufacturing, Goody Manufacturing, and Three Rivers Home Health where she worked for many years helping others as a home healthcare aide. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed spending time with them. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, attending church and church activities. She was a dedicated Christian lady who loved her church. She was the daughter of the late Edgar Lee Gillis and Estelle McDuffie Gillis, and was preceded in death by her Husband of 14 years, J.W. “Doc” Sheffield, 3 Sons, Carlton Lee “Carl” Sheffield, Benny Sheffield, and Mark Sheffield, Brother, Leroy Gillis, 2 Stepdaughters, Phyllis Thomas and Sheila Woodard, and Daughter-in-law, Willene Rogers Sheffield.

 She is survived by her Husband of 50 years – Sidney Everett Thomas of Eastman, GA; Daughters-in-law – Tammy Sheffield of Sedalia, MO and Annisa Sheffield of Hartsville, SC; Grandchildren – Tanya Jenkins (Scott) of Eastman, GA, Renee Sheffield of Warsaw, MO, Crystal Charlton (Shannon) of Sedalia, MO, Matthew Sheffield of Hartsville, SC, and Mikey Sheffield of Hartsville, SC; Several Step-Grandchildren; Great-Grandchildren – Caden Jenkins of Eastman, GA and Jaxson Charlton of Sedalia, MO; Brother – Windell Gillis (Lawanda) of Eastman, GA; 4 Nephews – Brian Gillis (Sharon) of Perry, GA, Bret Gillis (Jenna) of Summerville, SC, Brannon Gillis (Amelia) of Cumming, GA, and Tommy Gillis of Canton, GA; and 5 In-Laws – Virginia Gillis of Canton, GA, Walt Thomas of Marietta, GA, Brenda Dinkins of Macon, GA, Jerry Thomas (Pat) of Eastman, GA and Linda Reece (Robert) of Canton, GA; Several Great-Nieces and Nephews.

 The family may be contacted at the Thomas residence, 22 Old Dodge High Rd., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Friday, January 27. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made to Zebulon Baptist Church, 1252 Cochran Highway, Eastman, GA, 31023.



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