Marie Jestine Thomas was born Aug. 28, 1936, in New Madrid, MO, the daughter of Len and Gladys (Jackson) Manning.
Jestine, as she was known by most, 85, went to her home in heaven on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at her home in Hartford, surrounded by her loving family.
On July 19, 1954, Jestine was united in marriage with Daniel Thomas. She was a faithful and long time member of the Hartford Church of God, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Jestine and Dan grew blueberries for many years in the Covert area. She continued harvesting blueberries even after Dan’s passing in 2010. Those who met her always mention how strong-willed she was. She was even referred to as “Tiny, but Mighty”. She loved to be in her yard and was often seen out walking her dog, Lily, around the property several times a day for exercise. The family loved to gather at her house for dinners on Sunday’s after church. She was a very good southern cook. She very seldom used a recipe to make her delicious meals.
Jestine is survived by her three children: Donald (Laura) Thomas, Teresa (Samuel R.) Babb and Darrell Thomas; nine grandchildren: Amy (Mike) Esman, Sara (Dave) Kirby, Jennie (Billy) Roesener, Ashleigh (Ben) Bobay, John (Dana) Lagoni, Adam (Kaitlyn) Lagoni, Matthew (Bridgette) Thomas, Maria (Matt) Kuzma and Paul Thomas. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Michael Esman, Max and Emmit Kirby, Juno and Kaleb Roesener, Nolin Lagoni, Emersyn Bobay and Emily and Carter Lagoni; a former daughter-in-law, Shary Thomas; two brothers: Ray (Joyce) Manning and Fay (Mary) Manning; a sister-in-law, Dathel Manning; and a brother-in-law, Gene Lalk.
Jestine was preceded in passing by her husband, Daniel; her parents; and five siblings: Sue Lalk, Hershel (Doc) and Noveda Manning, Cletus Manning, Pastor Kenneth and Shirlene Manning, Lenzo (Peck) and Bonnie Manning and Christine and RC Tapp.
The family welcomed friends Monday, Oct. 25, at the Hartford Church of God, where the service to honor her memory commenced Tuesday, Oct. 26. Pastor Steve Jones and Mark Manning officiated. Jestine was laid to rest next to her husband in Fairview Memorial Cemetery, Watervliet Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the church. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home of Hartford with arrangements, and anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so on our website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.