Melba Joy Thomason Mimms

Melba Joy Mimms
Melba Joy Mimms

Melba Joy Thomason Mimms, 85, of Amarillo, died Friday, January 13, 2023.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2023, At the Colonies Church of Christ, 4500 Wesley Road’ with Bret McCasland officiating.  Burial will follow at 3:00 P.M. in Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Lubbock, Texas.

Melba Joy Thomason Mimms was the daughter of Hershell L. Thomason and Vera Mae Knowles Thomason.  She was born on November 6, 1937, in the OM community near Hollis, Oklahoma.  She was the third child out of four.  Shortly

after she was born, they moved to Pettit, Texas where she attended Pettit Grade School.  When she was 15 years old the family moved again to Acuff, Texas where she attended Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1956.  She was an active student during her school years and was an officer in the home economics group and an elected class favorite during High School.

She married Donald Lee Mimms on April 6, 1957, at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. The couple eloped due to Don’s military restrictions and the only witnesses to their sacred ceremony were Bobbie and Jere Mimms, Don’s brother, and sister-in-law.  They kept their marriage a secret and did not tell the rest of the family till months later they were married.  Soon thereafter Joy and Don returned to Pettit to farm and raise their own family.  In 1962 they welcomed home their daughter, Cassondra Ann Mimms, on January 6th.

Joy was a devoted wife, mother, and community member.  She was actively involved at the family’s church in Levelland, TX at Cactus Drive Church of Christ, worked as a part-time secretary at the Pettit Coop Gin, a volunteer for the Hockley County Junior Livestock show and organization, and oversaw the election and voting for her precinct for many years.  She was a steadfast presence for Don assisting as much as could and helping him keep up the farm.  They enjoyed traveling with friends and family as well on many memorable trips across the country.  She cherished all the time she spent with her three grandchildren and family.  The couple moved to Levelland during Don’s retirement from the farm in 2007.  Later they moved again to Amarillo, TX to be closer to Sondra and Lynn Tate and their children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mimms, and her parents, Hershell and Vera Thomason.

Survivors include, Sondra Tate and husband Lynn of Amarillo; her three grandchildren Vanda Glover and Greg, Karah Kellam and Jay, and Travis Tate and fiancé Lindsay Stroope; five great-grandchildren, Gentry Glover, Crawford Kellam, Gemma Glover, Bellamy Kellam, and Jack James Kellam; her siblings, Elvoy Thomason, Juanima Fikes, and Anna Thomason along with her in-laws, Jere Mimms and Tookie, Jack Mimms and Pat, and Caroline Macon and many adored cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family suggests that memorials be made in remembrance of her to your favorite charity.

12 Replies to “Melba Joy Thomason Mimms”

  1. We all loved Joy at the Colonies. She jumped right into our membership and was a delightful companion to all of us. Her quiet demeanor and beautiful smile said so much about her character. She was awesome and we loved her. She will leave a hole in our hearts, but the love she left behind will be forever remembered. May this love give peace to her family. She left a legacy to all who knew her.

  2. Sondra and family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Aunt Joy was always so fun & loving!! May she rest in peace along side Uncle Don!! You are all in my prayers!!

    Love
    Renee Mack

  3. JOY and I shared some very special times
    Together when we made special trips to the
    Area nursing homes to visit Friends, Family, and
    Many Strangers that would perk up when they
    Saw Joy’s Precious Smile and Caring Demeanor.
    JOY leaves a Legacy of Love and Gentleness.
    LOVE
    Eddie & Gayle

  4. Joy will forever be one of my very favorite people. I often viewed her as another grandma, and I appreciate how she loved me (and everyone else) so well. She will be greatly missed!

  5. George and I are praying for you all. Don & Joy were a big part of our church family at Cactus. Such wonderful examples of love and encouragement. They mentored us as a new Elder & wife so long ago. When Don passed Joy was so strong, showing us her faith & confidence that they would be together in Heaven one day. I can imagine their reunion and know they are watching out for all of us already. God bless you and your family.

  6. Joy was a special friend . We single ladies will miss her so much. She was devoted to God and a pleasure to be with,❤️

  7. RIP Sweet Lady! You will truly be missed by all!
    Prayers for the family. We enjoyed our study groups we had during your service at Cactus Drive Church of Christ congregation. 💝

  8. Sondra and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Both of your parents were wonderful Christians
    and set us an example. Joy always had her sweet smile for everyone

  9. I am so sorry to hear of Joy’s passing. She was a wonderful person and we became friends in Levelland after I married Ed Wimberley and moved there. We went to church together for a long time. And she and I were cousins. Her daddy and my daddy were cousins. Vera May and my mom became good friends when my parents moved to Levelland. My sincere condolences!

  10. I am so sorry to hear the news of Melba Joy. To all her family, I would love spend time with you, I am unable to do so at this time. I have given Sondra my phone number so you may have it. I pray for peace as you remember her.

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