Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, 02/13/2023 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Joe Thomas, 88, of Oak Vale, who passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023 at Forrest General Hospital. Interment will be at Oakvale Cemetery in Oakvale, Ms. Rev. Archie will officiate the services. Chris Turnage will provide special music. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until 11:00 am on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Joe was a faithful member of Carson Springs Baptist Church since childhood.  He was a retired school teacher in the Louisiana and Mississippi school systems.  Joe was very social and enjoyed visiting with friends at Thomas Cash store where their favorite past time was playing dominos.  He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.  As a newspaper lover he enjoyed reading current events.

He was preceded in death by his Son, Timmy Williamson; Father, Jessie Thomas; Mother, Lessie Moore Thomas;  two Brothers, Clarence Thomas (Atha Lee) and Milton Thomas (Ann);  Brother-In-Law, Sonny Adkins;  Sister-In-Law, Jean Adkins.

He is survived by his Wife, Willie Fay Bourn Thomas of Oak Vale, MS; two Sons, Emmitt Ray Williamson (Miriam) and Larry Williamson (Pam); Daughter, Jean Turnage (Pat); two Sisters, Merle Brumfield (Huey) and Mae Woodward (Stevie) ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers will be Mike Thomas, Tommy Joe Woodward, Bobby Cheeks, Pat Turnage, Larry Williamson, and Emmitt Ray Williamson. Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Williamson, Shane Crain, Lester Thomas, Marvin Graham, and Jessie Ray Vince.

Hathorn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign an online guest register book at www.hathornfuneralhome.com