M. Thomas

The Life of a Queen

Ora Mae Thomas was born in Waskom, Texas to Steve and Georgia Moody. She was the fifth of eight children.

Ora accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and united with the Shiloh Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas, under the pastorage of Reverend W. M. Bolden. She remained a faithful and committed member until she relocated to Dallas, Texas where she united with the Arlington Park First Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Reverend H. Q. Bell. She served faithfully until she re-located to Oak Cliff in 1971 and moved her membership to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church under the pastorage of the late Reverend Floyd. She served as Sunday School Teacher, Assistant and General Superintendent, and Teacher of General Mission.

For over 50 years, Ora has served in numerous positions within the church and her legacy of studying God's word and telling others about Jesus continued throughout her life. She proudly taught her Sunday School Class, "Sarah", and attended church service until the end of July 2021 when her health declined.

Her accomplishments and awards were numerous. Ora received a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College and a Master's in Education from Prairie View A&M University. She received a certification in Homebound and Hospital education from Texas Woman's University. Ora began her teaching career in Coushatta, Louisiana. She also taught for 18 years at G. W. Carver in Karnack, Texas. She was later employed by Dallas Independent School District as a Home Bound teacher for 17 years. She retired in 1982 after 38 years in education.

Ora believed in sharing her love of God's word through her many writings and public speaking engagements. Her community service included volunteering at the Veteran's Hospital, Dallas Public Library-Highland Hills Branch, Tommie M. Allen Recreation Center, and after school tutoring. She participated with the walking club and low impact exercise group, and was Founder and Director of "The Honey Bees", a line dance group. They performed throughout the metroplex and were featured on Channel 4's "Hometown Heroes." She was a member and participated in the Dallas Retired Teachers Association, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Discussion Group, NCNW Southwest Section, and Brook Hayes Music Club. She received the 2001 Dream Makers Award in Education from the Southwest Dallas Business and Profession Women's Club, Service Awards as a volunteer at the Dallas Public Library-Highland Hills Branch, and the Community Service Award in 2002 from the Senior Affairs Commission of Dallas.

Ora departed this life on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. She leaves to cherish her life two loving daughters Carolyn "TC" Roberson and Ramona Clarkson, three beautiful granddaughters, Monica McCarley Roberts, Arielle Clarkson, and Gabrielle Clarkson, one handsome grandson, Cole Moody Roberson, (daughter-in law Lois Marie Roberson) one talented great-granddaughter Alexandria Clarkson, and two amazing great-grandsons, Colin Simmons and Clayton Roberts, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends.

She is preceded in death by four sisters, Kate Singleton, Alsemeda Drayden, Elizabeth McCollough, and Earnestine Roberson, two brothers, Steve Moody and Tom Moody, and son-in-law, Paul Clarkso