Obituary of Laneia Grace Thomas

Laneia Grace Thomas was a faithful and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She lost her hard-fought battle with breast cancer in the comfort of her home and in the loving arms of her family on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the age of 45. 

Laneia was born to William (Bill) and Fala Collins on July 24, 1978 in Wise, Virginia.  Laneia met Jon Thomas in the pep band at Cumberland College, where they both shared a music stand while playing the trumpet. Laneia finished a Music Therapy degree at Tennessee Tech and married Jon on August 17, 2002. Together, they had two children: Ethan and Molly.

Laneia had a passion for music and people. She worked as a Music Therapist, working first through the Indiana Medicaid Waiver and then at Noble of Indiana. She skillfully played the piano, the guitar, and the trumpet. She loved to crochet and made numerous afghans for family and friends. In the summer of 2023, she sold her goods at the Pike Farmer’s Market, an endeavor that gave her great joy.  She also was an exemplary mother, constantly praying her children would love the Lord and directing them in His ways. 

Laneia is remembered as someone who always considered others above herself. She welcomed people with open arms and an open heart, living out of an overflow of Christ’s love for her. She was extremely loyal and had a fierce faith, even in the face of her trials over the past decade. She was always ready to serveand her heart was always confident in her purpose and who Jesus was. She believed strongly in the power of prayer and never let anything distract her from her faith.

Laneia is survived by husband Jon Thomas and children Ethan and Molly, Bill and Fala Collins, Charlie Collins(Brother),Belinda Collins (Sister-in-Law),Andrew Collins(Nephew), Jim and Cheryl Thomas (Jon’s Parents), Jeff Thomas (Brother-in-Law), Jenny Andress (Sister-in-Law), Brandon Andress (Brother-in-Law), Anna Andress, Caroline Andress(Nieces), and William Andress (Nephew)and a host of amazing Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends all of whom she loved and cherished dearly. She is predeceased by Grandparents Charlie and Gladys Collins and Jim and Grace Diamond.

A family visitation will take place at Common Ground Midtown (4450 North Illinois St., Indianapolis) on Wednesday, January 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. A community visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m.

Laneia’s family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Allies, Inc.