McCordsville, IN - Juanita Jane (Jaquess) Thomas, 77, McCordsville, passed away April 7, 2026, at her residence after an extended illness.

She was born July 18, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana, to James Haskel and Sadie Marie Jaquess, and resided in Anderson for most of her life.

She graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1966 and was voted Prom Queen her junior year.

She worked as a hairdresser for over 50 years at various locations in Anderson and was a teacher's aide at Sunnyside Elementary in Lawrence Township School System.

When time permitted, she enjoyed baking, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. She was known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies, her vivacious attitude, and her unconditional love for all her friends and family.

She is survived by her former husband, Philip "Flip" Thomas of McCordsville; her children, Jeffrey (Annette) Thomas of McCordsville, Jay (Bea) Thomas of Anderson, Lonnie Thomas and Angie Hall of Anderson; seven grandchildren, Dorian (Brittany) Thomas of Inman, South Carolina, Michael Thomas of Lawrence, Hannah Thomas and Corey Bell of Selma, Lathan (Karry/Kc) Thomas of Killeen, Texas, Sadie Thomas and Alex Hartzell of Anderson, Cadean Thomas of Yuma, Arizona, and Sienna Thomas of Anderson; five great-grandchildren, Charlotte (Charlie) Thomas and Lucas Thomas of Inman, South Carolina, Sebastian Thomas and Levi Thomas of San Tan Valley, Arizona; and Luca Thomas of Killeen, Texas; her sisters, Darlene Landon and Jacque Brattain, both of Anderson; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Jaquess; mother, Sadie Jaquess-Eller; sister, Deanna Smith-Young; and brother, Jerry Jaquess.

A special thanks is extended to Elevate Hospice, their staff and nurses showed so much love and compassion during her final days.

On behalf of the family, we are deeply grateful to the eldest son, Jeff and daughter-in-law, Annette for their selfless and devoted care of Janie during the final months of her illness and the unwavering respect for her and her wishes. They honored her every step of the way until the very end.

She has chosen to be cremated immediately following her death. On July 18th (Her Birthday), 2026, the family will have a Celebration of Life with the location to be determined. If you would like to attend the Celebration of Life, please forward your contact information to: jltabp2019@gmail.com, the location and time when determined will be shared.