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Frances Louise (Short) Thomas

April 18, 1939 – December 8, 2024

Frances Louise (Short) Thomas, Earthseed Elder, age 85, of Berkeley, California, died December 8, 2024, at home surrounded by her kin and more-than-human kin. She was born to the late Julius Short and Julian (Brodie) Short in Cheraw, South Carolina. Frances is also preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Weldon “Jelly” Thomas; brothers, Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt, Hubert and Marion Short; sisters, Elizabeth Julia Short and Janie May Pate.

Frances’ family migrated north from South Carolina in 1942 to the Steel Town of Farrell Pennsylvania.  She lived next door to her future husband, Jelly Thomas. She attended Farrell elementary, middle and High School and Graduated in 1956. She was known as “sweet Lou” and for always being so kind,  put together and beautiful. Frances worked as a homemaker, steelworker and community organizer as she cared for and nourished her three daughters, grandkids, neighbors and community. She was a leader in the church and choir and supported her daughters dreams and visions in any ways she could.  In 2011 Frances had to make the difficult decision to move away from her beloved home town to be cared for by her daughter Pandora. This decision turned out to be the biggest gift to the Bay Area ever as she brought her sweet and kind soul to all she touched. 

Frances’ passions were her commitment to her church and God, gardening, political activism, fashion and sewing, caring for the sick and shut in, dancing, traveling and meeting new people. Her favorite television shows were Monk and Macgyver, which she continued to watch until the day of her transition. She loved animals and at one time cared for more than 5 stray cats from around the neighborhood.

Frances’ legacy is lived on by her daughters, Pandora Thomas of Berkeley, California; Carla Platteborze of Newport News, Virginia, Faye Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia, Mardine Bynum of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her pets: Jaxson, Lou Lou, BB Queen, Lady Grey, Humphrey, Benny Thomas all of Earthseed Farm.

A Celebration of Life was held on December 21st 2024. It was a joyous celebration of food, laughter, stories and tears.  

Frances’ wish to the world was that all would enjoy it to the fullest as she did, may it be so!

In lieu of flowers,  please consider donating  to EARTHseed Farm, 3175 Sullivan RD, Sebastopol, CA 95472.