Patricia Ann Thomas

It is with a heavy heart that our family must share the passing of Patti Thomas.  Patti was born in Wellman, Texas on May 29, 1940 but in short order moved to Brownfield, Texas with her proud parents Dugan and Estelle Thomas. Patti had an older sister, Juanda Martin, and brother, Ted Thomas (both deceased). 

Patti lived for many years in the Houston area before returning home to the South Plains to raise a family. She was married twice, to Jay Turnbow and Guadalupe Gonzalez (both deceased). Patti was a self-made woman in many respects - resilient, smart, curious, romantic, and funny. She raised four children on her own for the most part but modeled what the living out of a responsible meaningful life for the good of all people looks like.

Patti had many interests, all of which should be profiled or formatted into a cross-word puzzle of life to be completed in heaven. She loved family, people, working for a purpose bigger than herself, books, movies, stories, music, art, shopping, the internet, Facebook, food, a well-made adult beverage, fellowship, sports, and a good conversation. Did I mention a challenging crossword puzzle?

Further, Patti was a lifelong learner and studied at both Eastern New Mexico University and South Plains College. She served as an administrative assistant and media specialist for the Terry County Library System before co-founding and directing Black Pearl Enterprises, a local commodities, logistics, transportation, and distribution firm.

Patti’s legacy and story continues on now through her children, their children, and our extended family - Chris and Maria Turnbow and family of Houston, Dugan and Angela Turnbow and family of Florida, Shannon Turnbow and family of Victoria, and  Patricia and Warren Pereira and family of Houston. Overall, Patti was the matriarch of a thriving blended family, all of which includes four children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.