Ethel Lee Thomas. beloved daughter of the late Maola Cuff and Johnny Malone, was born in Albany, Georgia on June 18, 1940.

During the early years of her life, she attended the public schools of Dougherty County and participated in numerous school functions and activities.

She was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Paul Thomas, Jr.  As a couple, they created a loving home environment where they raised four children—Paul III, Grady, Terena, and Toyota.  As a wife and mother, Ethel looked well to the ways of her household and ate not the bread of idleness.  For numerous years, she was employed with the Dougherty County School System as a cafeteria worker, providing nutritious meals for the faculty, staff, and students at Martin Luther King Elementary School.

Ethel was a very upbeat and fun individual who was a joy to be around.  She was easy to talk to and was able to find the humor in most situations.  Family and friends were her greatest cherished gifts and she never missed an opportunity to bring them together in love and harmony.  Ethel had numerous interests and hobbies, including dancing, singing, and sewing.  She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed being in the kitchen preparing soulful dishes that were always a winner at the dinner table.

On Saturday, December 30, 2017, Ethel answered her final call and quietly entered into eternal rest.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Malone and Maola (Richard) Cuff; and one sister, Francis Drake.

Ethel was dearly loved and her memory will continue in the hearts of her devoted husband, Paul Thomas, Jr.; four children, Paul Thomas III, Grady Thomas, Terena Thomas, and Toyota Thomas; grandchildren, Keisha Polk, Marquez Young, Samone Mathis, Sherena Alfred, Cyrenaris Bernard Peterson, Tinesha Thomas, and Alicia Thomas; four siblings, Christine (Kirk) Floyd of Savannah, GA, Johnny Malone and Joseph Cuff of Albany, GA, and Richard Cuff of Tallahassee, FL;  brothers-in-law, Woodrow (Frankie) Thomas and Pastor Willie George (Marion) Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.