Greda Marie was born in Baconton, Georgia on July 12, 1972.  She was the beloved daughter of Willow Dean Barnes Walker and Johnny Lee Jenkins.

She received her elementary and secondary education in the Mitchell County School System, graduating from Mitchell-Baker High School in 1991.  She was a perceptive and astute young lady who valued education and took advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow.  She continued her education at Darton College in the field of Nursing and later transferred to Albany State University.

Greda's Christian experience began at a very early age when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior.  She was a devout member of Christian Life Fellowship Church in Baconton, Georgia where she served faithfully as the Praise Team Leader and  Coordinator of the Children's Ministry.   Her faith in God kept her spiritually strong and she never ceased to give Him the glory for the blessings in her life.

On June 28, 2019, Greda was joined in holy matrimony to Jeffrey Thomas. As a  loving wife, she supported her husband in all of his endeavors; and as a devoted mother, she worked tirelessly to ensure that her children were nurtured in the admonition of the Lord.  She dearly loved her family; provided unconditional support, tender guidance, and boundless love; and cherished the precious moments spent with them.

Greda touched the live of countless individuals during her employment at Pelham YDS and Autry State Prison.  Her career was  defined by hard work, high expectations and unquestionable integrity.  She was caring employee who always looked for optimal solutions to complex problems, was genuinely concerned about  people in her surroundings and in her care, and consistently pursued excellence in her duties and responsibilities.

Known to many as a kind and generous lady with a big heart, Greda opened the umbrella of her love and affection in countless ways.  She had a nurturing  spirit, was always willing to share her experiences with others, would lend a listening ear to those in need of compassion and support, and graciously opened her heart and home to family and friends.  Greda loved to sing, laugh, joke, and shop.  She will be greatly missed for her uncanny sense to know just when encouragement is needed; her warrior spirit in prayer and song; and her steadfastness as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

On August 28, 2021, Greda transitioned from this earthly life to eternal peace and rest.  Although absent from the body, we take comfort in knowing that she is present with the Lord.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her loving husband, Jeffrey Thomas of Albany, GA; her parents, Willow Dean Barnes (Robert) Walker and Johnny Lee Jenkins of Baconton, GA; seven children, James Murray, Jr., Javen Murray, and   Jason Murray of Albany, GA, Jeneirid Murray of Savannah, GA, Jeffrey Thomas, Jr. and Jarvis Thomas of Atlanta, GA, and Jalandra Thomas of Albany, GA; siblings, Marvin (Valerie) Barnes of Pelham, GA, Martin (Janitta) Barnes of Baconton, GA, Johnny (Sheilia) Barnes of College Park, GA, William Barnes of Jonesboro, GA, Jacqueline Jenkins, Angelia Jenkins, Sophelia Jenkins, Tanga (Montre) Davis, Janice (Richard) Morris all of Albany, GA, Maro (Dennis) Johnson of Leesburg, GA,    Johnny Jenkins, Jr. of Baconton, GA, and Shereida Jenkins of Westlake, LA; hermother-in-law, Lavon Thomas of Camilla, GA; brothers-in-law, Don Thomas and Jarvis Thomas of Albany, GA; sister-in-law, Sandra Thomas; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.