Anna Marie "Cooky" Thomas

HER STORY...

It was on September 8, 1964, that Anna Marie (Stevens) Thomas "affectionately known as Cooky" was born in Gary, Indiana to Janice Stevens and Greg Beaty and the world became a little sweeter. 

She was nurtured and well loved by her grandparents, Lycurcus and Anna Stevens in Kingsford Heights, Indiana, and was baptized at an early age at the First Baptist Church of Kingsford Heights, later joining Mt. Zion MB Church (Zion Hill) under the leadership of Rev Stanley Mason, and currently Pastor James E. Lane Jr. She had almost reached her 60th turn around the sun when she and her fiancée, Steven A. Dabney unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, May 19th, 2024, in La Porte, Indiana. 

After graduating from LaPorte High School, she attended Purdue University - North Central in Westville, Indiana where she met and fell in love with Gilbert Anderson. From that love came the first of her three heartbeats and Santrell Latrice was born.

A few years later, after a chance meeting and courtship with Terrance Thomas, Anna’s second and third heartbeats Tierra Toniece and Taleigha Anyeah were born. Anna and Terrance later married on July 7, 2001, in Kingsford Heights.

The passionate, nurturing spirit and love of children instilled in her from birth grew immensely through the years. Not only did she raise her three heartbeats, but she also loved and guided her Godchildren, Tonea and Tremaine Byrd.

 Anna was a successful entrepreneur. Through her love of children, she established her own daycare – Kidz Discovery, in La Porte, Indiana, where she touched the lives of so many other children. The proud business owner often went above and beyond to make the holidays were special for the children in her care and their families.

Anna found the love of her life in Steven A Dabney, her fiancée. They enjoyed their life together whether traveling to many locations, hosting family gatherings, attending sporting events, or just relaxing at home with their fur babies. They shared a generosity of heart and a willingness to help all who had the honor of sharing space with them. Together they were a formidable force on the spades table. They were highly competitive, and her sharp tongue and quick wit could always be found on display during the game, with Steve supporting her in the same trash talking style.

Anna’s love for family and friends was immeasurable. She leaves to cherish her fond memories three daughters: Santrell Anderson, Tierra (Thomas), Thomas, and Taleigha Thomas; a goddaughter: Tonea Byrd; and godson: Tremaine Byrd; eight sisters: Roberta (Raymond) Parks-Mitchell; Mary Browder, DaCe’ Beaty, Angela Jeffries, Danyelle (Terry)  Wright, Mailaika Beaty, Africa Beaty, Mericka Beaty; two brothers: Eric (Lynn) Jeffries and Darius Beaty; 13 grandchildren: Corterius Crawford, ChyJane’a Crawford, Ja’Meriyon Cross, LaShaun Reynolds Jr., Zariyah Fly, Da’Vion Batchelder, Damarion Batchelder, Saniyah Sims, Rome Kinney, Braylon Hartke, Desiree Orr, Ta’vion Byrd, and Tazarh Byrd; one special aunt: Mother Bertha Ansley; best friend: Kathy Bradley; a very special friend: Wanda Akins; and special sister/cousin: Tamiko (Alec) Smith; a special nieces: Tatiana Rodriguez and Amber (Ervin) Reddick; mother in law: Louise White; 1 uncle: Curtis (Andrea) Stevens; 2 aunts: Bonnie Corley and Earclean Hodges; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and her fur babies Chloe, Mango, Rylo, Rocky and Red.

She was greeted into eternity by her mother: Janice Parks, grandparents: Lycurcus and Anna Stevens, her sister: Maria Conner, and uncles: Harold Stevens, Freddie Stevens, and Kenny Stevens.

As we celebrate the life of Anna, let us remember her as the epitome of selflessness and love. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and lives of all those she touched. Let us strive to follow her example and continue to love and nurture one another.

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024 11am, at Zion Hill Baptist Church 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana 46360 with Pastor Stanley Mason to do Eulogy. Viewing will be 10am until time of service. Burial to follow at Patton Cemetery 1401 Rumley St. Laporte, Indiana 46360. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 - My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are week. 

Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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