Veronica Ann Thomas Abii was born November 2, 1952 to the late John and Nazilree Thomas in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was raised at the family home in Vivian, LA. Veronica accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Mt Nebo Baptist Church in Vivian. Later, as an adult, she proudly served as a Mission Teacher at the Greater Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. She attended Pine Valley Elementary School, Herndon High School, as well as North Caddo High School. She was a member of the first integrated senior class to graduate from North Caddo High. Also, she was the first African American to participate in the Miss North Caddo High School.
Following graduation, she attended Bishop College in Dallas, TX, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She became a highly celebrated and dearly beloved educator teaching at multiple educational institutions including Vivian Junior High from 1977 to 1980, Hosston Elementary from 1980 to 2001 and Vivian Elementary School from 2001 until her retirement in 2013. She was named Teacher of the Year multiple times. After transforming students’ lives for 36 years, she enjoyed a well-earned retirement and also served as a loving caregiver for her dear parents. Veronica was also employed for a number of years as a Librarian at the Shreve Memorial Library in Vivian.
Veronica was a devoted mother to her wonderful children, Haskell Abii (wife Tori) of Plano, TX, Sharri Abii of Frisco, TX, and Phillippe Abii (wife Tuelin) of McKinney, TX. She was also the proud grandmother of grandsons Micaiah Abii and Jalen Abii as well as granddaughter, Jacy Abii. Veronica was the eldest of John and Nazilree Thomas’ seven children including Doris Thomas Dowell (husband Robert) of Keithville, LA, Sandra Thomas Jordan of Vivian, LA, Troy Thomas (wife Pamela) of Green Bay, WI, Rubye Thomas Webb (husband Paul), Dr. Debbie G. Thomas, and Theressa Thomas Lockett (husband Tracy). She will also be greatly missed by a host of nephews and nieces.
A pillar of her community, Veronica was greatly admired by her many students whose lives she impacted tremendously. She demonstrated excellence in all she did personally and professionally. While in college, Veronica became a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and her pledge line included more than 40 young women determined to change the trajectory of their lives and make a positive difference in the world. Following in her parents’ footsteps, she was a committed member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) for many years.
This great mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher departed the world Saturday, November 5, 2022. She leaves to mourn her three children, three grandchildren, six siblings, as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and students who will cherish her memory. Veronica’s Family Visitation will take place at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, TX on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Her homegoing services will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 pm Saturday, November 19, 2022 also at the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, TX. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Veronica’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/veronica-ann-thomas-abii. The recorded version will be available for viewing after the service at the same link.