Olene J. Thomas departed this life and entered into eternal peace on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at her home in Nanjemoy, Maryland.

She was born January 14, 1927 to the late Noble N. Jackson and the late Julia Matthews in Doncaster, Maryland. She was educated in the Charles County Public School System.

Olene committed her life to Christ at an early age at Mount Hope Baptist Church and served the church faithfully until her health began to fail. She served on the Usher and Missionary Board, Pastor's Aide Committee and was a faithful Deaconess. She was honored as Deaconess Emeritus by her church family. Olene often testified on Sunday mornings during the devotion period letting everyone within the sound of her voice know how good the Lord had been to her. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family. It was not uncommon for Olene to take in family members who were in need. For many years, she worked as a caregiver for the Close family and raised their son, William (Billy) Close as her own.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, six sisters, Loretta Lewis, Gladys Gray, Marie Yates, Genevieve Nichols, Rosa Lee Jackson, and Irma Dent; four brothers, Clifton, Lloyd and James Jackson and Johnny Dent.

Olene is survived by her husband of 63 years, Deacon Leo Thomas who was a faithful and devoted companion; a son, James Thomas; a daughter-in-law, Beatrice Thomas; an adopted daughter, Edna Proctor (Anthony); two adopted sons, James Jackson (Ardell) and Lloyd Jackson (Penny), five granddaughters, Christina Thomas whom she affectionately called Kitten, Courtney Proctor, Penae' Jackson and Shemika and Tylese Carroll; six grandsons, Mark Parson, Anthony (Tony) Proctor, Jr., Lloyd Jackson, Jr., Glen Carroll and Paul and Jerry Harley; a great aunt, Howardine Jackson; a sister-in-law, Annie Jackson; a brother-in-law, Henry VanDike Lewis; a special cousin, Sylvia Butler; dear friends, Eunice Close and Geraldine Daye; dedicated caretakers, Dorice Johnson and Rudolph and Jerry (JJ) Datcher, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Her Viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 28th at the Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 8705 Gilroy Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland from 10:00am until time of Service, 11:00am. Her Interment will be in the Church Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.