Anna Green Thomas

Anna Green Thomas, age 92, passed away September 5, 2014. Anna was born in Little Rock on September 20, 1921 to James Wilson Green and Katharine Bodine Green. Anna was a long-time member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where she was a volunteer with Helping Hands. She also volunteered with Carelink's Meals on Wheels. Anna was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings: James Green, Temple Green, Sr., Grant Green, Gordon Green, Katharine Williamson, Laura Beasmore, and one nephew, Grant Green and one niece, Carolee Green Wilbur. Anna is survived by five nephews and three nieces: James Nuckols of Tomball, Texas, Richard Green of Little Rock; Temple "Buzz" Green of Austin, Texas; William Green of California; Larry Green of Greer, S.C.; Sally Ansell of Fairhope, Ala.; Dianne Green of Kissimmee, Fla.; and Virginia Plunkett of Arizona. Anna graduated from Little Rock High School in 1938. After graduation, she volunteered at the Arkansas Gazette to gain experience for a "real" job. The Gazette later hired Anna, where she spent two years before going to work for Big Rock Stone and Material, which was located on the river behind the former Marion Hotel. Anna went on to work as a radio operator for Chicago and Southern Airlines which later became Delta Airlines. In the early 1960's, she went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission in a position requiring a top secret clearance. In 1965, Anna was recruited by the Foreign Service with her first assignment being the Cambodian Embassy. Shortly thereafter, the Embassy was overrun, and she was the only female among the last five Foreign Service officers to be evacuated. Anna was posted next to the Embassy in Beruit, Lebanon. Again, staff was evacuated, and she was among the last five (and the only woman) to be evacuated. In 1969, Anna had a brief tour of duty at the United Nations where she met Senator William Fulbright who coaxed her into working for him as his personal secretary in his Senate office in Washington. After Senator Fulbright left office, Anna went with him to work in his private law practice in Washington, D.C. for several years. Anna returned to Capitol Hill in 1985 to become Senator David Pryor's personal assistant. She stayed in Washington until her retirement from federal service in 1988. At that time, Anna moved back home to Little Rock and kept extremely busy. She volunteered in Senator David Pryor's Arkansas Office one day a week, helped manage Senator Mark Pryor's bid for Arkansas Attorney General and volunteered for numerous organizations, Arkansas Children's Hospital and reading programs at various Little Rock elementary schools. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2014, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Reverend Lynn Lindsey and Dr. Jeff Hampton will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 10, 2014 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Roller- Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. (501) 224-8300. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Senator David Pryor, Senator Mark Pryor, Jimmy Williams, and Anna's extended family of Senate staff colleagues through the years. The family wishes to thank Dorothy Downs of "Visiting Angels" and the staff and residents of Good Shepherd Retirement Center for the loving care and companionship given to Anna during the last months. In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Anna may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock 72205. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.