Lois Alberta Derry Thomas was born in Chicago, IL, September 24, 1918, to Albert E. Derry and Alberta Brown Derry. She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 yrs, Virgil F. Thomas. They moved to Oklahoma from Chicago in 1946 and eventually settled in Oklahoma City in 1959. Having received her Bachelor's degree in English and Master's degree in Journalism, it is not surprising that the loves of Lois's life were the high school English and Journalism students she taught at Putnam City 'Original' High School the last 23 of her 30 years of teaching. Her job description took on new roles, leaving her legacy there as sponsor of the newspaper, magazine, football program and yearbook staffs and publishing the superintendent's newsletter. Many of her students continued to keep in touch with her the rest of her life. To commemorate her accomplishments in the field of academic journalism, The Oklahoma Interscholastic Press Association annually presents The Lois A. Thomas Distinguished Service in Journalism Award to the outstanding journalism teacher in Oklahoma at OIPA's Spring Conference at the University of Oklahoma. In 1974, Lois Thomas conceived the idea for the Putnam City Cancer Drive to memorialize the deaths of several faculty members and students as well as to call attention to the need for ongoing cancer research. Mrs. Thomas remembered her childhood involvement in raising money for the March of Dimes to combat polio. The district adopted her idea both as a way to teach students - through their personal involvement in raising funds for cancer research - about character, commitment and volunteerism and as a way also to demonstrate care and concern for their fellow men. Mrs. Thomas headed the cancer drive until her retirement from teaching in 1981 and continued as its driving force until her death this week. Through her efforts, the school district formed a unique partnership with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in 1975; that relationship continues unabated and to date has raised more than $2.6 million for research there. In addition, over the years since the Putnam City Cancer Drive began, more than a thousand students have visited OMRF one day each year to work one-on-one alongside scientists in research labs. Several have gone on to work in the field. Research Scientist Dr. Linda Thompson holds the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research which was established to mark the accomplishments of the school district's cancer drive. This chair is believed to be the only endowed chair anywhere funded entirely by students, and it has led to important progress against cancer. Lois was a graduate of Wheaton College where she was a classmate of Billy and Ruth Graham. She was proud of the spiritual and intellectual preparation the school provided her and was a devoted alumna all her life. In April 2007, Lois Thomas was presented the Madalynne Norick Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma. Lois has always been involved in the churches she and her family attended. She was both a pianist and an organist and was continually involved in Missions. She also used her journalism skills as editor of the church newsletter for Metropolitan Baptist Church for 17 years. She was fearless in tackling problems she thought needed to be addressed. She believed God gave her the gifts of service to those around her and the ability to meet challenges that could be overcome with dedication and perseverance. She felt obligated to share her talents wherever they benefited others. She often said she didn't have time to be tired. Her influence on those she encountered was immeasurable. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher and friend. The fact that she lived, worked, taught, worshipped and volunteered has enriched the lives of all of us and will for years to come. The Christian principles that Lois instilled in her own children have not only impacted those five but the gener- ations of children to come will know the love of Jesus Christ due to the passion and love for the Lord that Mrs. Thomas exemplified in her everyday life. Lois is survived by her five children and spouses, Lois and John White, Warren and Jeri Thomas, Nancy and Geoffrey Pruett, Carolyn and Monty Churchill, Gordon and Sheree Thomas; 17 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Lois's parents; infant daughter; sister, Mildred Derry Harries; and brother, Warren A. Derry, also preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, Lois requested donations be made to 'Missions' at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 7201 W Britton Rd, OKC 73132, or to the Putnam City Cancer Drive, Putnam City Schools, 5401 N.W. 40th, Oklahoma City, OK 73122. Visitation will be 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday at Vondel Smith Mortuary, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. Services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 7201 W. Britton Rd.