Mildred Anne Thomas

Mildred Anne Thomas was born July 10, 1930. She was the first child born to Annabelle and Lon Flake in Prosper, Texas. The family later moved to Celina, Texas where she attended school until her junior year and then they moved to Arlington, Texas. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1947. Later her family moved to Dallas. Mildred attended Junior College in Arlington, North Texas Agricultural College, and graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington. She enrolled in Oklahoma State College in Stillwater and earned her B. S. degree in foods and nutrition. She worked as a Licensed Nutritionist, and was a member of the American Dietetic Association. Mildred was recognized by the State and National Association in 2002 for fifty years as a registered dietitian. The Thomas' owned and operated a medical equipment business in Dallas for a number of years. They later moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and then to Fayetteville, Arkansas and finally to Arkadelphia. Mildred had many hobbies: fishing, oil painting, needle work, china painting. She was a wonderful wife, and loved decorating her homes so beautifully. She had a great love for her Savior, Jesus Christ. Mildred and Bill delighted in offering hospitality to international students at Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University. They enjoyed opening their hearts and home on many occasions. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Charley Thomas. At the time of his death they had been married almost 56 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Mrs. Thomas went to be with her Lord Wednesday, February 11 at the age of 84 at the St Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. She is survived by one brother, Doyce Ray Flake of Tyler, Texas, and one niece and four nephews. She is also survived by Riturat Ria and Christopher Ibasco, two international students, who have ministered to her so faithfully. Mildred loved her church family at Mt. Zion Baptist Church where her memorial service will be held. The service will be conducted by Pastor Ray Franklin and Rev. Grady Higgs under the direction of Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. Saturday Morning, and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens where she will rest beside her husband. Memorials may be made to Henderson State University Foundation. Sign on line guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.