Bessie May Thomas

Bessie May (Mattix) Thomas, daughter of Timothy and Minnie Bell (Adams) Mattix, was born on May 15, 1928, and departed this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at her home in Buffalo, Missouri. She was at the time of her passing 94 years, eight months, and 26 days of age. Bessie was born in California, but her family moved around at a young age and would eventually end up in Wyoming. This is where she would meet her late husband, Kenneth Thomas, and they would be joined in marriage on November 1, 1946. They then moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and there they would have four daughters. Bessie and the family moved to Missouri in 1966 and she lived there until her passing. Bessie was a passionate and devoted follower of Jesus Christ. She was a member of the Full Gospel Church in Buffalo, Missouri. She loved to read her Bible, listen to gospel music, and pray for her family. Bessie also had a deep love for her family. She cherished her time with them and was proud to be a grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. Everything Bessie touched would flourish. That included her family. Her last words were a true testament to her faith and love for her family. She said, “Please tell them all ‘I love you’ and ‘I have prayed for you your whole life.’” Bessie was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Thomas; her parents, Timothy and Minnie Mattix; one daughter, Pamela Marie Thomas; two brothers, Robert Mattix and Lawrence Mattix; one sister, Dorothy Montonye; and two grandchildren, Jesse McCoy and Brandon Pougue. She is survived by three daughters, LeAnn Martin of Buffalo, Missouri, Susan Thomas of Marshfield, Missouri, and Beverly Lee & husband Michael of Elkland, Missouri; 10 grandchildren, Julie Finley, Brian Prier, Wayne Bremenkamp, Melissa Bolles, Jessica Minor, Michelle Sarllito-Holt, Brandon Acton, Chad Acton, Shaun Coltrane, and Dustin Coltrane; 29 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Bessie is loved and will be missed dearly. Funeral services for Bessie will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri with Mrs. LeAnn Martin officiating. Interment will follow the service in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Missouri.

Bessie May Thomas

May 15, 1928 - February 14, 2023