Kathleen Thomas

Charmaine Thomas, 79, of Alvarado, TX, went to Heaven on August 13, 2023.  She was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on September 11, 1943. Charmaine had a wonderful life raising her children on the beaches of Panama City and Fort Walton Beach, FL.  Back in the day, she poured a mean drink at The Ten Foot Stop in Panama City and worked at the Exchange on the Navy Base.  For over 20 years, her bright shiny face greeted many shoppers at Sam’s Club in Panama City and Fort Walton Beach. She mastered the art of living a simple life and enjoyed what mattered most. For her, that was reading and being a mom.  Charmaine showed everyone around her that the blessing of an autistic child was a daily reminder of the innocence and joy life has to offer. She will be deeply missed by her constant companion, her daughter Jana.  Charmaine’s natural mothering instincts were not just shared with her own children, she touched the lives of many by creating cherished memories of being invited into her cozy home.  She is survived by her sister Diana Marie Parham (husband Roger), brother Joseph Anthony Ferrell (wife Susan), and brother Tom Ferrell.  Charmaine is survived by her sons Brian Scott Skinner, John Thomas, Jason Thomas (wife Dawn), daughter Jana Thomas, and surrogate daughter Kimberly Brackett (husband Richard).  She is preceded in death by her son Nathaniel Skinner, sister Anna Sue Deeth, brother Edward Ellis St. Amant, Jr., and sister Mary Frances Womack.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to her favorite charity - St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.