"Well done, good and faithful servant . . ." (Matthew 25:23)

Tressie Lee Franklin Thomas, 82, of Ferriday, LA, passed on June 2, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA.  She was born July 30, 1943, in Simmesport, LA, to her parents George, Sr. and Lyndora Gilbert Franklin. Her educational accomplishments included earning a Master's Degree plus 30 additional graduate hours from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She  dedicated many years to the field of education, faithfully serving   students and families of Concordia Parish .  Throughout her full and purposeful life, she remained a devoted member of Living Word Worship Center in  Natchez, MS where she faithfully served as   Children Church Director,   guiding  and inspiring young people in their spiritual growth. She served with patience, compassion and dedication, teaching God's Word,  nurturing young minds and hearts in the Christian faith, exemplifying Christian character through words and actions. She help lay  down a spiritual foundation for countless children, encouraging them to grow in faith, knowledge and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Living Word Worship Center, 8 Covington Road in Natchez, MS with Pastor  Dwight Greene officiating.  Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Church Cemetery under the direction of Concordia Funeral Home of  Ferriday, LA.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until service time at Living Word Worship Center in Natchez.  Also, a visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 420 Lincoln Street,  Simmesport, LA 71369 before burial at the church cemetery.

Tressie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom Thomas, Sr.; three brothers, Randolph Howard, Clayton Franklin, Joseph Franklin.  She is survived by her daughter, Marla Thomas Banks (Charlie); one sister, Elaine Johnson (Henderson); six brothers, Glyn Franklin (Rita), George Franklin, Jr. (Charlotte), Clarence Franklin (Vernell), John Franklin, Sr. (Shirley), Dwayne Franklin, Stanley Franklin (Clara); in addition to a host of other   family members, friends, former students, nieces, nephews and her beloved church family at the "Center".

Online condolences can be sent to www.concordiafuneralhomeinc.com