FRANKLIN—Leola Thomas, 75, of the 29200 block of Delaware Road died July 12, 2007 after a long illness.

Mrs. Thomas was a Southampton County native, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Althara Councill.

She was a domestic worker for the Cliff Cutchins III and Bessie Allport residences.

Mrs. Thomas was a member of Pleasant Shade Baptist Church, Franklin, and an active participant of Missionary Ministry, Women’s Ministry and supported all areas of service pertaining to the church.

Survivors include her husband, John Gilbert Thomas Sr.; son, Wayne Allen Thomas; sons-in-law, John Lewis Faulcon Jr., Claiborne Barnes, Roy Perry and Wallace Winborne; daughters, Dorothy Lee Faulcon, Shirley May Perry, Geraldine Thomas and Vernice Richardson; brothers, Ernest Councill and Raymond Councill; sisters, Magoldia Smith and Elizabeth Manley; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by a son, John Gilbert Thomas Jr.; brothers, George Councill, Nathaniel Councill and Waverly Councill; and sister, Etta Mae Murphy.

A funeral will be conducted at 1 p.m. today in Pleasant Shade Baptist Church by the Rev. Willis Freeman Sr. Burial will be in Southview Cemetery, Franklin.

Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.