Extracted from The Shreveport Times (Shreveport, LA)
Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Lessie Lorine Cathey Thrasher

JONESBORO, LA -- Funeral Services will be held at the chapel of Edmond's Funeral Home on Wednesday June 18 at 4:00 p.m. for Mrs. Lessie Lorine Cathey Thrasher of Jonesboro. Officiating will be Pastors Elton Gunter, Gene Cumpton, and Randy Lee.

Ms. Lessie was born on October 12, 1908 in Bienville Parish, LA. She passed away quietly at 10:00 p.m. on Monday evening after a lengthy illness at the home of her niece and nephew, Bobby and Melba Murphy of Jonesboro. Mrs. Thrasher was 94.

Mrs. Lessie had a passion for life and for the work of God. Until she became challenged by her health, Mrs. Thrasher was an active and devout member of Ebenezer Baptist Church of Jonesboro. Ms. Lessie enjoyed her involvement in community affairsùwhether participating in voicing her opinion on political issues during Federal, State or Local elections, or through her donations to various charities and to those who are disabled and disadvantaged, including St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Mrs. Thrasher enjoyed a long and fruitful life, and she enjoyed the company of all people - most especially her friends and family.

Survivors include one brother, Emory Cathey of Jonesboro, two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Irvin of Jonesboro and Mrs. Lucille Sutton of Ruston. As well, she is survived by her caregivers - a special niece and nephew, Bobby and Melba Murphy and family of Jonesboro. She is survived, as well, by another special niece, Mrs. Martha Louise Goza and husband Fred of Shreveport, LA.

Mrs. Thrasher was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. John Thrasher of Jonesboro, as well as by her mother, three sisters, and one brother.

She was employed by Bell South for over 40 years, having retired in 1963. She regularly attended meetings for Bellsouth retirees, where she frequently received recognition for being the oldest living retiree from the Bell South system.

The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude to Ms. Lessie's faithful caregivers and special friends, Mrs. Jan Meek, Mrs. Serona Plunkett, and Mrs. Gwen Paggett, all of whom stayed by her side both day and night to ensure that she received the best of care during her last days.

Pallbearers will be Travis Ables, D.J. Allen, Donald Johns, Randy McKinney, Aylon Pate and Billy Ray Peters.

Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Edmond's Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

The body will lie in state at Edmonds from 4:00 Tuesday June 17th until time for services.