Shirley Forbes Thomas

Birth date: Jun 14, 1939 Death date: Aug 1, 2020

Dr. Shirley Forbes Thomas, age 81, was reunited with many loved ones in Heaven on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Loving family members were by her side. Born, June 14, 1939, to Roy and Dora Dee Forbes in Rose Bud, Arkansas, she was mar Read Obituary

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Mark Vaughan

3w ago

Dr.Thomas was a special influence in my life. She taught my Freshman Honors English class at JBU. I am still in the process of learning critical thinking and how to read literature, as encouraged by Dr. Thomas. At first, I resented having to face unpleasant truths. I lived in a “safe” and rather sanitized world. Her class was a safe setting to expand that world and start to grapple with difficult realities. Any good that I accomplish in my life is partly due to her influence at that key stage of my development.

Faith Canright

162w ago

I just learned of Shirley’s passing. She was my English professor and mentor in the late 1970s and I’ll never forget our eventful trip to New York City to usher in the new decade. I’m writing my first novel and have long planned to dedicate it to her. Shirley, you were the funniest person I’ve ever known; I still tell your stories. My life is richer because you were in it. I’ll see you in Heaven.

Lanny Noggle

263w ago

lanny doc noggle

Robert Francis

269w ago

Lloyd, I am so sorry to hear of Shirleys passing. If I had seen this I would have been there. Shirley was a great friend of the family and your family touched us always. Shirley will be missed and all of our love to you Lloyd. God bless!

Jim Williams

269w ago

Loyd, I didn't know Shirley, but I was employed by you as a school bus driver in the mid 1970's. However, I do remember learning of you and Shirley's large family and thinking how special a people you both are. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

God Bless You,
Jim Williams

Jan Helmut Wubbena

269w ago

One of many who became better professionals – better people – because of Shirley’s influence, I’m grateful for the numerous opportunities for faculty development she offered me. To me, her most significant contribution was her ability to instill self-confidence combined with her genuine affection for others. “You can do this – we can do this! So let’s get on with it.”
Thanks, Shirley, for a life well-lived. You touched me.

Clare Mccullah

269w ago

I was to pick up my oldest son at a friend’s house. When I rang the doorbell, someone yelled,”Come in!”. I timidly opened the door and walked into the entry way. There were children running around all over the place with a noise level to match. Shirley came to the door, smiled, and I introduced myself. I told her I was here to pickup Jack. “Oh, Isaac's friend.” I asked if Jack wasn’t too much to handle. “No, he’s a quiet boy. Everyone is welcome here.”

Several years later, I was invited to church with a friend. To greet me again at the front door of the church was Shirley Thomas. “Come on in, everyone is welcome here.”

No one in need was ever turned down. Shirley had the ability to make everyone feel special!

Clare McCullah

Aj Anglin

269w ago

Shirley was the most interesting, enthusiastic, caring, capable, and unforgettable faculty member I worked with in my 40 years of administration. Her acceptance of my request that she start an honors program at JBU was probably the best administrative appointment I ever made. Her success was phenomenal!!!
And almost on a daily basis only Shirley could get into the most unusual situations and predicaments.
We all will miss her so very much, but now the saints in heaven are experiencing even more joy because she is with them.
AJ Anglin

Diann Lozoya

269w ago

Ok...so she would have laughed as spell check did it’s own correction, and changed S.A.R.C. to SARCASM...... especially the English professor .... I can see her smile😃

Diann Lozoya

269w ago

I am from the class of 1982...editor of the yearbook and SARCASM member....she and I had many occasions to be together...and each time I learned soooo much from her and she loved on each of us as she came in contact. I never felt like I was going to the ‘principal’s office’ when going to visit with her. She left her mark on our campus and in our hearts and minds. Gentle hugs to her immediate family! Until we meet again in the JBU area in heaven! Diann Boyer Lozoya ‘82

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