Lillie Grace Odom Thomas, of Dallas, formerly of Plainview, Texas, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished family matriarch, passed away peacefully

on August 17, 2026, at the age of 99. She was born on April 17, 1927, in Greenville, Texas,

to Emmett Watson Odom and Grace Lee Taylor Odom.

Lillie grew up in Dallas and attended Sunset High School. She continued her education at The University of Texas, where she met the love of her life, Dr. W. Ralph Thomas. She later graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU).

Lillie and Ralph were married on June 18, 1947, and shared 68 years of marriage filled with love, family, friendship, and countless treasured memories. Ralph preceded Lillie in death

in 2015. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life centered around the people they loved most. At a later date, the family will gather for an informal celebration of their lives and honor their final wish: to have their ashes combined and scattered on their favorite mountain overlooking Possum Kingdom Lake.

Lillie was the proud mother of four children: Dr. Robert Thomas of Montgomery, Texas, formerly of Dallas, and his wife, Carla; Debbie Thomas Fitch and her husband, Tim Fitch, of Corpus Christi; Penny Thomas Lloyd and her husband, B.J. “Bubba” Lloyd, of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; and Angela Thomas of Dallas.

Her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted grandmother to Zachary Thomas and wife Sarah; Misty Davis and husband Nathan; Kasey Hunter and husband Todd; Mason Fitch; Chad Lloyd and wife Brooke; Nesi Lloyd; Melissa Edge and husband Trent; Charlie Denton; Lexi Kelly; and Tori Lee and husband Michael.

Lillie was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy: Benjamin Thomas, Jacob Thomas, Noah Davis, Lillie Grace Davis, Henry Davis, Ames Hunter, Everly Hunter, Fitch Hunter, Pryce Hunter, Parker Lloyd, Graham Edge, Asher Edge, Camden Edge, Emma Kelly, Holland Lee, Maryralph Lee, and Bennie Lee.

Family was at the heart of Lillie’s life. She treasured family vacations and every opportunity to bring everyone together. One of the most memorable was a family cruise to Alaska celebrating Lillie and Ralph’s 50th wedding anniversary. Having the whole family together made the celebration especially meaningful.

Another beloved family tradition was “Grandma’s Camp,” held each summer at Ralph and Lillie’s home in Plainview. Her grandchildren eagerly looked forward to these special summers, which were filled with laughter, adventures, good food, and time together.

The memories of Grandma’s Camp remain especially fond. Grandchildren remember riding around town together in the RV, leaving church a little early so they wouldn’t miss the Plainview Country Club lunch buffet, shopping at Kristi’s with Grandma and Walmart with Papa, enjoying Grandma’s mushroom bisque served in little teacups, and the dreaded turtle cheesecake. These simple, joyful traditions captured what Lillie did best: making her family feel loved, creating fun out of ordinary moments, and giving her grandchildren memories they would carry for a lifetime.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Ventana by Buckner, Silverado, and to Mom’s very special caregivers, whose loving care and support meant so much to Lillie and our family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests making a donation in Lillie’s memory to one of her favorite charities: Operation Kindness of Carrollton, Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, or another charity of your choice.