Jacqueline Frances Thomas

Jacqueline Frances Thomas passed away on October 3rd, 2022 at the age of 94. She had been a resident of Sedona since 1957 and witnessed many changes over the decades. Over the last few years, she was at a senior living apartment in the Village of Oak Creek.

Jackie was born September 5th, 1928 in Los Angeles, California. As a young girl her family would ride bicycles for several miles down to Long Beach on weekends. Her father, Melvin Ross, was a bicycle postal deliveryman. Her mother was Reba Mendenhall. Jackie, the youngest of four, had two brothers, Ray and Bud, and a sister Betty. All preceded her in death.

She married James Spicer in 1946 and moved to Texas where she had two sons, Mel and Mark. She was widowed just seven years later. After moving back to California, she married Tom Thomas, a photographer and writer. In 1957 they moved from L.A. to Sedona.

After living in Los Angeles most of her life, Jackie wasn’t enamored with being in such a small town. Initially it was culture shock but in time she made many close friends and grew to love the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

As a home-maker she joined a non-denominational church where she played the piano and later became the choir director. She also loved to bake and would make a dozen pies at-a-time for special events at the church and bake sales. She was also a talented seamstress.

Later in life Mom experienced much loss as she outlived many long-time friends and family. Tom passed in 1994 and her son Mel in 2013. She is survived by her son Mark (Diane), four grandsons, Neal, Trevor, Kyle, Matt and three great-grandsons. She was loved by all and will be missed along with her pies and infamous Christmas sugar cookies.

Graveside services will be held for the family at Sedona Community Cemetery at a future date.