Alyce Ann Thomas (nee Peeples) of Arnold, passed away on April 20, 2024, at Mercy South Hospital from injuries sustained in a car accident five days earlier. Alyce was born on November 20, 1936, in DeSoto and resided there until her marriage in 1954.
Alyce spent most of her 32-year career in the Jefferson R-7 School District as a teacher of first graders and later third graders. She was dedicated to learning and always set high standards for herself and her students. Alyce’s friendships with other R-7 teachers continued after her retirement in 1994, and she looked forward to their regular “Retired Teacher” lunches, most of which lasted for hours at various restaurants around the area.
Alyce was dedicated to physical fitness and, even before she retired, she began exercising at the South County YMCA after school. Post-retirement, you could usually find Alyce at the doors of the Y at 5AM every Monday, Wednesday and Friday so she could begin her workout as soon as the doors opened. She enjoyed using many types of fitness equipment, but her true passion was swimming laps for sessions that lasted at least 90 minutes. She continued her swimming routine until the final week of her life. Her workouts were always followed by lengthy chats over coffee with her countless YMCA friends who were a second family to her.
At the time of her death, Alyce was a member at First Baptist Church of Arnold. During the 1960’s to early 1980’s, when she and her husband and children resided in Festus, Alyce was a member of First Baptist Church of Festus Crystal-City. She attended her church faithfully and volunteered in many capacities there. Alyce was fiercely independent, but her deep faith in Jesus Christ was strong and unwavering from childhood until her death.
Alyce was gregarious and always active. She enjoyed activities in her neighborhood, was the first to arrive at family gatherings, particularly if her great-grandchildren would be there, and tried to attend every concert and school event in which her children or grandchildren were involved. If a group trip was being organized, Alyce was very likely to be on the passenger list, and she participated in countless adventures to a wide variety of locations with her friends from the YMCA as well as trips organized by church groups.
Alyce is survived by her two children, Julie (Theron) Baird of south St. Louis County and Phillip (Shelli) Thomas of Arnold; four beloved grandchildren, Jonathan (Leah) Baird of Richmond Heights, Kristen (Nick) Moser of south St. Louis County, Zachary (Candice) Thomas of Barnhart, and Nicole (formerly Nathaniel) Thomas of Ypsilanti, Michigan; three adored great-grandchildren, Lillian Baird, Jimmy Baird, and Easton Moser; and numerous dear friends from the South County YMCA, Jefferson R-7 School District, First Baptist Church of Arnold, and First Baptist Church of Festus-Crystal City. Alyce was preceded in death by her husband, Charles B. Thomas, and her parents, Robert Lee Peeples and Mellie Peeples.
Alyce was charming, witty, unforgettable, and one-of-a-kind. Through her 87 years, she consistently confronted tough situations with dogged determination and a lot of prayer. When it became clear that medical treatments could never overcome the serious injuries she had sustained, Alyce faced her death with incredible strength and strong faith in God and His promises. Much of the conversations and laughter at Mercy South ICU occurring in Alyce’s final two days on earth were the result of a constant flow of visits, phone calls and text messages with her friends and family members.
Alyce’s very active presence in the lives of her family and friends is irreplaceable, but the hole she left will be overflowing with many memories and joy of a life well-lived.
Services: A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM followed by a memorial service led by Pastor Daniel Carr at Kutis Funeral Home South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Alyce’s honor to South County YMCA, 12736 Southfork Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63128.
Phil, Shelli and family….I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like one amazing woman. The true blessing is you know she will be waiting for you with open arms.
Hugs and kisses. God’s blessings to you and your family.
Alyce was a very young 87 year old. We had some fun times together with a few neighbors at my house playing various games like Uno Attack and Farkle. She was sharp and funny and chatty. She will be missed. Sincere condolences to her family.
Alice l know you are a joy in heaven you were a strong woman in life and l am sure you are a blessing in heaven,you will be missed by family and friends. Carol Musante
I am so sorry for your loss, Baird family! I know she was a special woman! May the Lord comfort you during this time and help you grieve well, remembering the strong, sassy and wonderful woman who loved you so dearly.
I loved the Thomas family. Mr. Thomas was my school bus driver for years. Both of my daughters were in Mrs. Thomas 1st grade at Jefferson R-7. I remember them fondly as I daily drive past the home they lived in on Sunshine Dr. Praying for Julie, Philip and their families as they try to adjust to the loss. All my love.
May Jesus wrap his arms around you and comfort you during your grieving her passing, just as he is wrapping his arms around her and welcoming her into the eternal kingdom of heaven. We’re so sorry for your loss Shelly and Phil, Zack and Candice Thomas family and friends 🙏 May the holy spirit be with you always
Julie and family, I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet mother. Prayers and hugs for you during these next difficult days.
Hi. Alyce was an acquaintance of mine at the Y. I miss her greatly. She always kept me informed of what was going on with grandkids and great grandkids. The atmosphere at the Y this week has been one of shock and sadness.
Prayers and condolences as you say goodbye to a lovely lady.