Earthline Gipson Thomas

Earthline Gipson was born to the union of Onnie and Arlline Craig Gipson on September 6, 1946 in Sparkman, Arkansas. She attended the Sparkman Training School and was baptized at Harmony Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a deaconess and with the WMU. She later united with Mt. Morriah Baptist Church under the leadership of her son-in-love, Rev. Vernon Moody; there too served as a deaconess, with the WMU and on the mother’s board.

On June 11, 1975, believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” she married Roosevelt Thomas. The Lord blessed this union with a beautifully blended family. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values.

Earthline was a sweet and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She admonished her children to respect themselves, others and know Christ. She kissed and hugged fondly never meeting a stranger. Her life was full, modest and comfortable. She loved to plants, flowers and could grow anything. Family reunions and family get-togethers warmed her heart. Her soft and gentle spirit was like a magnet that drew people to her both young and old.

On Friday, August 14, 2020 in her 73rd season of life she slipped into the Lord’s embrace.

She was preceded in transition by her parents; her husband Roosevelt Thomas (September 14, 2011); her sister, Kathy Gipson Bullock and a brother, James Gipson.

Earthline was a patient woman. She always maintained a humble spirit and mild disposition throughout her life. We will remember her smiles, her love, and infectious laugh.

She leaves her children, Mary Davis, Ruby (Vernon) Moody, Darrel (Lesa) Simpson all of Arkadelphia and Gary Thomas of Hot Springs; her bonus children she loved as her own, Sharon Thomas, Stanley Thomas both of Hot Springs; bonus daughter, Jacqueline (Haja) Newburn of Arkadelphia nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Eligah (Patsy) Gipson of Rockford, IL; six sisters, Versie (Aaron) Allen both of Arkadelphia, Bessie (Josh) Williams, Mildred McCall and her fiancé Jerome Smith, Shirley Thrower all of Rockford, Il and Charline (Phillip) Newell of Oakland, CA; a bonus sister, Bobbie Walker of Sparkman, AR; a sister-in-law, Maggie Thomas, as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home.

A home going celebration will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at Harmony Community Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas with Rev. L. A. Craig, officiating ad Rev. Vernon Moody, eulogist.

Bearers of the Casket: Andre Bullock, Calvin Bullock, Dexter Gipson, Rickey Gipson, Scott Thomas, Darrell Johnson, Jeff Allen and Troy Thomas. Her nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.