Johnnie Nell Thomas

   Johnnie Nell Rogers Thomas was born in Beebe, Arkansas on June 12, 1937, to Johnny Robert Rogers and Joe Elizabeth Walker Rogers.  She went to Heaven on October 14, 2023, in Dallas, Texas.  She was married to William Daniel “Danny” Thomas, Jr. for over 60 years and they made their home in Little Rock.  She is survived by three sons: William Daniel “Dan” Thomas, III, wife Susan (Dallas), John Robert Thomas “JR”, wife Natalie (Dallas), and Joseph Casey Thomas “Joe” (Little Rock).   She was a proud grandmother of five with Carrie Thomas Lane, husband, John (Dallas), William “Will” Daniel Thomas, IV, wife, Samantha (Dallas), Madeline Walker Thomas (Houston), Caroline Stanton Thomas (Peoria, IL), and Grace Elizabeth Thomas (Little Rock).  She was the great-grandmother of Parker Thomas Lane.  Sheryl Brown Champlin was like a daughter to her and part of our family for over forty years.

   Johnnie Nell was a proud 1955 graduate of Beebe High School and achieved a registered nurse degree from Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.  She always remembered her nurses' training and served her extended family and others in the community when health issues arose.  She was a lifelong member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sweet Home where she was a member of the choir.  For many years, she served on the Presbyterian Village board of directors, including a term as Treasurer.

   She was devoted to her family and friends in so many ways. Her Rogers family reunions were a priority and she loved hosting July 4^th events at our home for many years.  Her Beebe High School friends were a big part of her life through many bridge games, desserts, and diet sodas.  Her desserts were legendary, especially her homemade brownies.  She was a proud and beautiful wife, mother, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, and grandmother who served her loved one’s needs.  She will be missed by her family and provided a great example of a strong Christian, classy, and well-dressed woman for her children and grandchildren. 

   In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice: to cure Breast Cancer, end Alzheimer’s, or fund the Danny Thomas Endowment Fund at Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Pi Chapter at Oklahoma State University. Funeral arrangements will be provided by Smith Family Funeral Homes located at 8801 Knoedl Court in Little Rock.  A celebration of her life will be held in the Smith Chapel on Thursday, October 26^th at 10:00 a.m. with a private interment at Forest Hills Cemetery. 

The service will be livestreamed at https://fb.me/e/1qrforSAW