Letitia Millerman Thomas came into this world as the cherished daughter of Henry and Nancy Millerman.  Two years later, Henry died, leaving Letitia and her sister to be raised by their widowed mother.  Consequently, Letitia was raised in Western Oklahoma—in the middle of the Dustbowl AND the Depression—by her determined, hard working mother.  These characteristics were passed on to Letitia.  

Letitia’s childhood home was filled with laughter, music, a large extended family, and much love.  Church was always a major part of their lives.  In town they were Methodists, but in the country, they were Nazarenes.  It was at a little Nazarene Church that Letitia met J. Melton and their love and affection bloomed into courtship and marriage.  

Letitia’s mother sacrificed beyond imagination to send her to Bethany Penial College to be with Melton.  After a year and a half, during the holidays; they were married on Christmas day, 1939, in her mother’s home.  Immediately, J. Melton began his pastoral career, moving with Letitia to Abernathy, TX where their oldest son, Jackson, joined the family.  At their next assignment in Oklahoma City, Kathy arrived.  From there they went to San Angelo, TX and on to San Antonio, TX where their youngest son, Stephen, was born.

While in San Antonio, Melton and Letitia were challenged by the General Church of the Nazarene to change their lives entirely and move to Fairbanks, AK.  Being adventuresome beyond compare, they headed across America with three small children—one only two weeks old.  After driving to Seattle, they flew to Fairbanks, and absolutely fell in love with Alaska.  

In 1952 they took a one year furlough from Alaska, during which time they pastored in Ironton, OH.  When the furlough was over, they returned to Juneau, AK where together they pioneered the Nazarene work there.

Their ministry continued for many years as they moved from Alaska to Oklahoma to Washington, California, New Mexico, and Ohio.  In 1982 after pastoring a short time in California, they retired from the full time pastoral ministry and permanently moved to Nampa, ID.  Just like they fell in love with Alaska, they fell in love with the Treasure Valley.

In Nampa, Letitia became involved in College Church of the Nazarene, spent hours on her gorgeous garden, and continued her lifetime skills of hosting.  One of her lifetime highlights was spending three months in Europe, traveling and ministering there.

Letitia Thomas had many desirable qualities; she loved her family, her church, and the Lord.  She will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of her influence.  

Letitia is survived by her husband J. Melton Thomas of Nampa ID. Daughter; Kathy Slamp, Vancouver, WA. Son; Stephen Thomas, Benson, MN., Daughter in Law; Irene Thomas, Benson, MN. And 7 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by his mother Nancy Lanford, son Jackson Thomas, Brother Jack V. Lanford, and Sister Florene Burwash. Memorials are suggested to be to the College Church Missions.