Willie Yvonne Thomas was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to the late Sylvia Davis Paul and Albert Paul.  She attended Second Ward W.O. Boston. She furthered her education by attending McNeese State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

She was united with Christian Baptist under of the pastorage of the late W.C.Clark and the current pastor Reverend Edward Alexander.  Sister Thomas was an active member of the Christian Baptist Board of Directors were she served over 10 years as a faithful vocal member.  Her motto was "We have to do what is right for the church." Sister Thomas was a member of the choir, Circle #6 mission group, and she also served as church financial secretary for many years and was instrumental in the building planning for the new family life center.

She was employed by St. Patrick Hospital where she was a faithful nurse for over 40 years holding the position of head nurse, ICU nurse, Post-Op nurse, and a school-based nurse at a local high school.  In some instances, she was everyone's "Florence Nightingale." Sister Thomas had a sincere passion for the well-being of people and educated them on the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle. She was an active member of the Second Ward W.O. Boston Alumni Association. She was also an active member of the Business and Professional Women group for many years.

She was married to the love of her life,  the late Austin Thomas Jr. for over 50 years. They were truly soulmates and spent a lot of time traveling and enjoying family and friends.   Through this union they had two daughters, Kimberly and Dionne.

She was preceded in death by  her husband, Austin Thomas Jr., whom she cared for until his death.  Her mother, Sylvia Paul Davis and father Albert Paul, and brother Russell West.  She will be remembered as a sincere and dedicated work for the Lord.

Cherishing her memory are two daughters Dionne Pickens of Lake Charles, Kimberly Thomas, Houston, Texas , and one granddaughter Gabrielle Williams of Houston, Texas, two sisters Elma Corine (Charles) Hall of Kenner, La. and Emily Lorine Landry of Lake Charles, sister-in-law, Dorothy Babineaux, six nieces and six nephews and a host of close friends.