Lawanda G. Thomas

Mrs. LaWanda G. Thomas was born on March 13, 1948, in Live Oak, FL. She shared the same birthday as her mother, and she always said she was the best present her mother ever received. Her parents were the late Orlando Weeks and Sylvia Fillyaw Weeks. She grew up in Luraville with her two brothers and sister, and a number of cousins. She graduated from Suwannee High School in 1966.

In 1970, she married Herbert Thomas. They were married for 56 years. They had two children, a daughter and a son, that they raised in Lake City. Once the children were grown, they established their own business, North Florida Timber Dealers, where she managed the office for 21 years. It was not an easy job, but she enjoyed the many characters that came through the door, and many of them became second family. She would still make an appearance on Friday mornings to help entertain and to provide a lending ear when needed.

Once she retired, she spent her days at her new “job”, mowing their farm and feeding the wildlife. She had many deer, turkeys, and rabbits (most of them named), and four cats. She also enjoyed spending her free time with her one and only granddaughter, whom she cherished immensely. On Sundays, she attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Wellborn.

LaWanda passed away on October 31, 2026, at HCA North Florida Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Herbert Thomas; a daughter, Shanda Hoffman (Jason); a son, Brian Thomas (Virginia Hill); and a granddaughter, Savannah Thomas. She is also survived by her brothers, Jimmie Weeks and Ronnie Weeks (Elaine); a sister, Kathy Baker (Paul); and a beloved niece, Emily Baker (Tyler). She leaves behind two honorary sons, Wes Evachek and Justin Lucas.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those that wish to make a contribution in her memory, she was a great advocate of the Lake City Humane Society, 1392 NW Shelter Gln, Lake City, FL 32055; and North Florida Animal Rescue, 168 Co. Rd 137, Wellborn, FL 32094.