Opal Pauline (Steeley) Thomas was born March 27, 1924 in Hulbert, Oklahoma to Lily Mae (Carroll) and Clyde Stanford Steeley. Following high school Pauline attended college. She began teaching at Hinton School and later enjoyed a long career working at Lake Region Electric.

Pauline was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ. She attended churches in Wagoner and Hulbert. She dearly loved being with her children and grandchildren. Her talent and interest in cooking were well known, and Pauline's family will always treasure the memories of Sunday dinners with family.

Pauline departed this life Friday morning, October 29, 2021 in Tahlequah, OK at the age of 97 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper Jay Thomas; her parents, Clyde and Lily Mae Steeley and all of her siblings.

Survivors include her three children and their spouses, Ralph and Diane J. Thomas and Jim Thomas, all of Hulbert, OK and Shirley and Denise Bowlin of Tahlequah, OK; five grandchildren, Angela and Tim McCawley, Vanessa Strickland, Tamara Hutchcraft, Jordan Bowlin and Joshua and Christie Bowlin; great-grandchildren, Konnor McCawley, Logan McCawley, Summer Strickland, Barry Strickland, Emily and Bryce Girdner, Preston Broderick, Abigail Hutchcraft, Autumn Hutchcraft, Kendal Bowlin and Sydney Bowlin; numerous nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

Viewing will be Tuesday until 5 pm and Wednesday from 9 am until 7 pm.

The graveside funeral service will be at 11 am Thursday, November 4, 2021 in Lost City Cemetery, Cherokee County, Oklahoma. Officiant will be Mr. Chris Stinnett of South College Church of Christ in Tahlequah, OK.

Pallbearers will be Jordan Bowlin, Joshua Bowlin, Konnor McCawley, Logan McCawley, Barry Strickland and Summer Strickland.