Kay (McDowell) Thomas

Kay Carol Thomas was born on July 4, 1942, in Pueblo, Colorado. Kay is preceded in death by her parents James H. McDowell and Helen (Harris) McDowell. Kay was one of three children to that union, and is survived by her loving sisters Helen P. Martin and Sharron E. Smith both of California.

Kay was a lifelong Puebloan who attended Bessemer Elementary School, Keating Jr. High and Central High School. Kay was an avid learner and continued her education receiving her Bachelors of Arts Degree from the University of Denver, and then to Adams State College where she received her Masters Degree in Social Work and continuing on with her PhD. in Psychology from University of the Rockies.

In the early 1970’s Kay moved to California and took a job with Kaiser Permante, there she worked as a media social worker.  She resided in Redondo Beach where she enjoyed the blue skies and warm beaches.  Returning back to Colorado and in May of 1975, Kay and Shadrach J. Thomas joined in holy matrimony.  To this union they were blessed with Sheryl J. Lemons (Jerome) and Shauna D. Sankey (Steve) and two beloved stepson’s Theodore Thomas and Shadrach Charles Thomas. Kay was an aunt to 11 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Kay was a strong supporter of the community of Pueblo; she was a member of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, the Order of Eastern Star where she was Past Worthy Matron, a member of the Pueblo Chapter of the NAACP, and the Juneteenth Organization of Pueblo to name a few. 

In her latter years Kay was blessed with 12 grandchildren. Which she adored and lived for. Kay was a dedicated grandmother. Her grandchildren are as follows: Alexandria Thomas,  Theadora Thomas, Shadrach Rashad Thomas, Azariah Thomas, Kiaya Noel Lucero, Terrence Jerome Lemons, Kianna Joelene Lemons, Kendra Kristine Lemons, Derrick Terrell Lemons, Zion Jabari Simpson-Sankey, Jaylen Nehemiah Sankey, and Bryson Alexander Sankey. Great-grandchildren Zarion Ezra Hogan-Schrader, Daedrion Hogan-Schrader, Achai Roshon Carter-Thomas, Nova Reign Lawrence, Novaah Thomas-Floyd, Nhea Thomas-Floyd, Navy Thomas-Floyd, Aria Thomas and William Thomas. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all well prayed over, loved and taken care of. There was little Kay would not do for her grandchildren, she had a very special bond with each of them.