Elaine Thomas

Jessie “Elaine” Thomas, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, was born on April 26, 1943, in Booneville, Mississippi, to Mildred Ilene Rinehart and Raymond Cylvester Rhinehart.

Elaine spent her early years in Rienzi, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated from White Station High School in 1961. That same year, on September 1, 1961, she married the love of her life, Charles Benjamin Thomas. Their marriage was one of deep devotion and joy, lasting 58 happy years until Charles’s passing in September 2019. Elaine spent the majority of her life in Jacksonville, Arkansas, where she built a home centered on family, faith, and service. In 2021, she relocated to Cabot, Arkansas, to be closer to her children, a move that brought her great comfort and happiness.

She is survived by her beloved children: Carole Ann Kregear (Michael), Cindy Helmbeck (Todd), and Chuck Thomas (Tricia). Elaine was also a proud grandmother to Blake Mattison, Alyssa Miller (Seth), Carley Blake (Antonio), Chase Thomas (Bethany), Hannah Nicholas (Keaton), Megan Watts (Anthony), Claire Helton (Lance), Kylan Foley (Shad), and Kramer Helmbeck (Casey), and a joyful great-grandmother to 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of pride and love.

Elaine worked faithfully for 28 years as an executive secretary, serving with dedication and professionalism at Bond Consulting Engineers, Twin City Bank, U.S. Bank, and Community Bank. In 2004, she retired to lovingly care for her father during his extended illness, exemplifying her selfless nature and deep commitment to family. Elaine will be remembered for her kindness, strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy of love and faith lives on through the many generations she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 13 at 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Mt Carmel Baptist Church (163 Mt Carmel Rd, Cabot, AR 72023) with a funeral service to follow. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 18 at 1:00 PM at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery (1501 W Maryland Ave, North Little Rock, AR 72120).