Joyce Mae Thomas Memorial Fund

(The Story: htps://www.katc.com/news/st-landry-parish/state-police-resume-search-along-i-49-for-missing-ville-platte-woman 

In Remembrance of our Mother,
Joyce  Mae “B U”  Thomas  & The Deaf and Hearing Impaired

We, the children of murdered victim, Joyce Mae Thomas are seeking help with Funeral Expenses.  

Children names:  Michael “Mitchell” Thomas, Sylvia Thomas Archie, Brecky “Becky Thomas-Lavigne, Lois “Tootie” Thomas Lewis

Phillip Dewoody, a known violent criminal
who was sentenced to 117 years, 2 months, and 12 days was granted Parole on June 10, 2019.  

February 26, 2020, 8 months after being Paroled, Phillip Dewoody kidnapped our beautiful mother, and for five heart- wrenching days, we prayed for her safe return.

On Monday, March 2, 2020 we received the devastating news that our loving mother was deceased and we would no longer see her or be able to hear her distinctive voice....ever again.

Our mother was deaf and hearing impaired for most of her life.  As a child, Joyce attended The Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge, La. There she learned to communicate, fluently using American Sign Language.  She was a smart and intelligent woman, who expressed herself in writing or through the use of gestures.

Even though she  grew up in a silent world,  she never let its silence hinder her from raising 4 great kids, taking part in the community/activities, doing thing alone and on her own terms.  Those who were blessed to know and befriended our mother, knew her strong, friendly, and independent personality.

Joyce “”B U “ was well known, loved and respected by so many people in and around the community.  For someone to kidnap and take such a beautiful life is incomprehensible.  This senseless act of violence has left us devastated, numb, and wanting answers.  How does someone with such an extensive criminal background, involving six felony convictions, sentenced to over 117 years in prison, someone who is clearly a menace, threatening the safety of the people in the community, Paroled? We feel the Parole Board in its decision to Parole Phillip Dewoody, failed to protect the safety of  the people, especially our mother.

We will forever remember her smile and strength, which knew no boundaries.  This tragedy has ripped the hearts and changed the the lives of her four children, along with family and friends. Please continue to pray for the family, we know that God will provide for us the strength and courage needed to get through this horrendous ordeal.

All proceeds will go towards Funeral expenses as we seek answers, Justice, change and corrective actions by Louisiana Parole System.

There is no money in the world that can help ease the pain that our family is going through, but it can help to prevent another family from going through such a senseless act of violence at the hands of such criminals who have been paroled.

Thanks you for your prayers and support
from the children of  JOYCE “B U” THOMAS
Michael, Sylvia, Brecky, Lois