Janelle Thomason of Pine Bluff passed away April 27, 2026 at the age of 93, after living for over 10 years with dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. During her life, she was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, loving “Meme” and friend. Beneath her kindness was the sweetest soul that just made you smile and feel good.
Born Robbie Janelle Thompson on May 18, 1932, in Pansy, Arkansas, her parents were the late Robert and Lila Thompson. Janelle attended Woodlawn Schools and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a teaching degree. She taught first grade for over 30 years in the Pine Bluff School District, first at Lakeside Elementary then retiring from W.T. Cheney Elementary.
She married Lester Thomason on February 8, 1952, and spent over 52 wonderful years together until his death in July of 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Joe Ralph Thompson (Betty Jo); and Edward Toland, her favorite son-in-law.
She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Organization, an ABWA past president, Woman of the Year, chairing many committees. Janelle was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church and the Pearl Burnham Sunday School Class.
Janelle is survived by her loving daughter Connie Thomason Toland, North Little Rock; grandchildren, Rachel Toland Wofford (David), and Sarah Toland, great grandson Lincoln Edward Wofford; son Rodney Thomason (Ayasha) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Hunter Thomason (Morgan) and Hayley Thomason Sullivan (Jake); and great- grandchildren Gia, Vivian Thomason, Monroe Thomason Lusk, Henry, and Franco Sullivan; former daughter in law Tracye Thomason Whitt; two special nieces, Jo Ella Brown Cook of Oakwood, IL and Robbie Thompson McKinney of Memphis, TN, and other dear family. She is also survived by her dearest friend Edwina Riddle of Weatherford, TX (formerly of Pine Bluff).
The family would like to offer sincere thanks to her wonderful former home caregivers over the years, Ernestine Lawson, Takeala Graydon, Tangelia Ashley, and the late Mrs. Girtha Adway. We are also grateful to the amazing staff at Foxridge Assisted Living in North Little Rock, especially nurse Casey Hunt and Presley with Hospice Home Care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association; Hospice Home Care; or First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock.
Graveside services will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2 p.m. in Oakland Cemetery at Warren, Arkansas with Rev. Brent Higdem officiating. Arrangements are by Robinson & Fuller.
For online condolences, please visit RobinsonFuller.com
