Carthage - Emily M. Thomas, 87, of 36646 State Route # 3, died Monday evening at her residence where she was under the care of her family, neighbors and Hospice of Jefferson County.

Emily was born in Utica on August 13, 1927, the daughter of the late Robert and Lena Stanbrook Doolen. She attended Proctor High School. She married Kenneth W. Thomas on September 17, 1947 in Harrisville. Mr. Thomas, former superintendent for Brookside Cemetery in Watertown for many years died on January 29, 1999.
Emily was a crossing guard for the City of Watertown and retired in 1997 from the Freeman Bus Company in Watertown where she drove for over 20 years.

She is survived by, three daughters: Mrs. Charles (Beverly) P. Thompson and Mrs. James (Karen) A. Taylor, both of Natural Bridge and Mrs. Leroy (Maureen) E. LaVancha of Watertown, four sons: Kenneth E. (Deanna) Thomas of Copenhagen, Douglas H. Thomas Sr. of Fort Lauderdale, FL, William C. (Mona) Thomas of Herrings and David J. (Deborah Overton) Thomas of Watertown, 25 Grandchildren, 64 Great Grandchildren and 24 Great Great Grandchidren, a sister, Myrtle Ann Siefreid of Poland, two brothers, Robert Doolen of Boonville and Donald Doolen of Utica, numerous nieces and nephews and her close friend, Yvette Rose of Watertown. A son, Dale P. Thomas died on May 12, 1978 and infant brothers, Timothy James and George Patrick Doolen, two brothers, Charles and William Doolen along with two sisters, Mabel Popejoy and Patricia Doolen, all died previous.


Funeral services will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at St. James Church in Carthage with the Rev. George F. Maroun, Pastor officiating. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Watertown. Calling hours at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home will be on Thursday from 4-7 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, TN 38105.