Luvenia (Ross) Thomas

Luvenia Ross-Thomas was born on June 13, 1932, in Aberdeen, Ms.  She came into this world as her mother, Emma’s, birthday gift. She and her sister, Daisy, were raised in Nashville, Tn. by Emma and Owen.  Both sisters graduated from Pearl High School.

She came to Cleveland, Ohio at 17 years old to reunite with family members.  She married Bruce Thomas and purchased a home where she raised three children Craig, Ricardo and Angela.  Luvenia opened a home daycare which she proudly managed for over 3o years.  She would lovingly say that she helped at least 100 kids learn to walk and talk and become little independent people.  Many called her a second mom and affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Lu”.

Luvenia accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of East Glenville United Methodist Church.  She enjoyed watching sports, westerns, gardening and shopping.  She was always dressed to impress and loved bright colors (so she lit up the room when she walked in).  Most of all, she taught her family many life lessons:  1. Church and God are important! 2. Home ownership (why rent, better to have your own and pay equity into yourself) and lastly, 3. She valued education (“you gotta work 8 hours anyway, your education determines your pay”) She lived to see her beloved Cleveland Cavs win a Championship.  She was proud to see Barack Obama become president because she taught her children the power of voting.  Finally, she loved spending time with her family and having parties. 

Luvenia was preceded in death by her parents: Emma and Owen Worthy and Clarence Ross; and her sister Daisy Fletcher. She leaves to mourn her passing:  Children-Craig Thomas (Brenda), Ricardo Thomas (Tamara) and Angela Fain (Keenan). Grandchildren-Gwendolyn, Sundae, Amber, Brandon, Ricardo, Breanne and Kayla.  Special Mention-Linda Fomby, Wanda Lowe (Terry), Rhonda Fletcher, Robert Fletcher and Laquita Taylor (Anthony). And a host of other great grandchildren, family and friends. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Luvenia (Ross) Thomas, please visit our floral store.