A Life Center Stage

Act I – Now Presenting

On Saturday, January 25, 1941, near the township of Centerview, Missouri, a baby girl entered the world with an exciting and resilient spirit. Her parents, Bishop Arbra W. Thomas and Mother Helen Thomas, along with her siblings, awaited this moment with great anticipation. They named her Lola Maxine Thomas, and from that day forward, her presence touched the lives of everyone she met.

As a young woman, she was an active member of the Community Sanctified Church of Christ, led by her father. Music filled her life, and she and her sisters sang together as the "Thomas Singers," their voices bringing joy to their congregation and everyone who heard them.

Act II – The Turning Point

Lola grew up in Kansas City, where she attended R.T. Coles and later graduated from Manual High School. After graduation, she developed an interest in clerical business work, learning shorthand and typing, though life would eventually lead her down a different path. Throughout her lifetime, Lola held various positions, spending her final working years at Sunshine Biscuits, where she retired in 2009 after years of dedicated service.

Act III –  Family

She believed family was rooted in love, commitment, and care, values she beautifully demonstrated through a life of service and devotion. She turned a family connection into a lifelong bond of motherhood by lovingly raising Valerie, Victoria, and Gregory as her own. Through them, she embraced one of her greatest callings: being a Mother, Grandmother ("Nanny"), and Great-Grandmother ("GiGi").

She married James Estell, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Act IV – All Spruce(d) Up

Lola's home became the central gathering place for the Thomas family — a place where generations came together at one time and in one space. It became so legendary that the address itself was no longer necessary. It earned its own name: "Spruce." Family gathered there to celebrate, eat, dance, and sing while listening to old-school music, especially her favorite group, The O'Jays. The neighborhood would become so full of family and friends that parking attendants were needed.

If there was one thing that defined Lola , it was her passion for cooking - a skill she began developing at an early age and perfected throughout her lifetime. It did not matter who you were; if you were hungry, Lola fed you. She proudly declared herself "The best cook in Kansas City!" and if you dared to disagree, you just might find yourself politely shown the door. Every weekend, she lovingly prepared meals for her family, Thanksgiving-style. Gathering around her table was an experience filled with good food, heartfelt stories, laughter, and love.

Lola was born to serve. She opened her home to families in need, cared for terminally ill relatives, and gave of herself selflessly, asking for nothing in return except to uphold what the Thomas family meant to her. Even when life did not always return what she gave, she continued to choose love.

The family lovingly called her and her sisters the "Golden Girls."  When they weren't gathered on Spruce, Lola and her sisters could often be found sitting together proudly at each family function. These outings were more than entertainment; they were cherished moments of sisterhood, filled with joy, friendly competition, and the kind of bond only sisters share.

Act V – Final Curtain Call

On May 19, 2026, Lola took her final bow and transitioned into sweet rest.

Lola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Estell; her parents, Bishop Arbra W. Thomas and Mother Helen Thomas; her brothers, Ira, Isaac, Luther, Donald, and Arbra Thomas; her sisters, Anna Rucker, Opal Saunders, Jeanette Jones, and Yvonne Elaine Dunlap; and her nephew and son, Kenneth Thomas.

Act VI – Lights Dim, Love Remains

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love to be cherished by her sister, Rosetta Taylor; her children, Gregory Thomas (Tina), Valerie Piggie, Victoria Carr (Terry), Renee Estell, and James Estell Jr.; her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; which includes her care givers Makyla and Phenix; her sisters-in-law, Sandy Thomas and Eva Thomas; a multitude of nieces and nephews with whom she shared a special and enduring bond; her cherished goddaughters; and her lifelong best friend, Janice Clark.

Act VII – The Story Lives On

Lola's love was a gift that extended far beyond herself. Her warmth, strength, generosity, and unforgettable spirit created a legacy that time can never erase. Though she has taken her final rest, her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know, love and be loved by her.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.