Dates
Ossie Lee Mitchell Thomas, 97, passed on to her heavenly home on July 24, 2026, in San Angelo, Texas. Ossie was born on Oct 7, 1928, to Jim Mitchell and Annie Payton, who lived near Brenham, Texas, and she had eight siblings.
Ossie eventually moved to San Angelo, Texas and married the one love of her life, Raymond O. Thomas, in 1961. They had a son, Raymond Lee Thomas, and lived happily together until her husband’s death in 2009. They were active members of St. Paul Baptist Church. They loved hosting family and friends in their home, something Ossie continued to do throughout her life. She and Ray loved playing music out on the back patio, where friends would dance along and visit. Ossie and Ray enjoyed traveling in their RV, visiting family and friends from Texas to California, while also traveling to other states throughout the US. Ossie had a love of fishing; she could beat almost anyone in dominos, and always supported and watched her favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. She also had a green thumb and took pride in her gardening. Ossie loved to decorate, creating a colorful and warm home.
In 1954, she began working in the home of Frank and Elizabeth Pool, and she remained with the family until Mr. Pool’s death in 2017. Ossie was like a second mother to the Pool’s three children, Frank Jr., Mary Ellen, and Martha. Ossie was one of the best cooks in the world and was a genius in the kitchen! She spoiled each of them with whatever their favorite foods were. She was famous for her homemade cherry and apple pies, chicken and dumplings, collard greens, lamb; the list goes on and on! Everything was made with her special touch and seasonings, but most of all it was made with love! Her love extended to the six Pool grandchildren, and then on to the great-grandchildren. Whether it was her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or the Pool family, she knew how to make kids feel important and special.
Ossie was predeceased by her husband, Ray, her grandson, Raymond Lee Thomas Jr., and six of her siblings. Ossie is survived by her son, Raymond Lee Thomas, her granddaughter, Rachel Lee Thomas Goodenough (Austin), four great grandchildren, Serenity Watts, Nevaeh, Ali, and Karter Thomas, and brothers Raymond Mitchell (Ida) and James Mitchell (Amanda), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her “girls”, Mary Ellen Hartje and Martha Elder.
Deepest gratitude to Ossie’s Comfort Keeper helpers, Hospice of San Angelo, special caretaker niece, Nina Morrison, and to her very special friends, Lisa White, Elray Young, and John Buckman. The family would also like to thank Dr. John Harvey for his compassionate care over the years.
Our Ossie was a very special person. She was loving, caring, dependable, loyal, kind, and giving. She had a great sense of humor; she loved to tease, laugh and create joy for her friends and family. While we are thankful for her long life, we grieve her loss, because there will never be another Ossie. She will live in our hearts always.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Harper Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com.