Mrs. Eloise Fullard Thomas was born on December 23, 1946, in Darlington County, South Carolina, to the late Enoch Fullard, Sr. and Josephine Cannon Fullard.

She was educated in the Darlington County School System, where she met and later married the love of her life, the late Melvin Thomas, Sr. From their beautiful union, five children were born.

Eloise was the epitome of love, strength, and grace. She was a devoted  mother, grandmother, and the biggest cheerleader anyone could ever ask for. As the  Matriarch and glue of her family, she held generations together with wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support. If you knew Eloise, you knew she loved to dress well. She was a woman of many beautiful dresses, and she wore them with elegance and pride. Yet  among all the beautiful garments she adorned, there were two she wore best—love and service.

Eloise had a deep passion for cooking, baking, and doing hair. She was a lover of the Atlanta Braves. She was employed with the Darlington County Food Service and faithfully served for 30 years until her retirement.However, retirement did not end her service. Even afterward, you could still find her in the kitchen preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner—cooking fish and grits, fried chicken, hog maws, and lasagna. She was known for baking pound cakes, sweet potato pies, coconut pies, and peanut butter cookies. Whatever you desired, Eloise could make it—no recipe needed. Cooking was one of her greatest love languages; it was her way of expressing compassion, generosity, and care. She always made sure you received one   of her special pound cakes, baked with intention and filled with love.

Eloise never met a stranger. If she met you once, you would forever remember her radiant smile. She loved everyone she encountered and was a mother to anyone who needed to feel loved, nurtured, or encouraged.

One of her proudest accomplishments was graduating from Chris Logan School of Beauty. Affectionately known as the “Queen of the Jheri Curl,”  she had a remarkable gift for transforming hair while simultaneously  lifting spirits. If she ever styled your hair, you can surely remember her working her magic right in the center of her kitchen—stove eye on high, hot comb warming, Luster’s hair grease nearby, and hair dryer in hand. Her kitchen was more than a place for meals; it was her beauty studio—a sacred space where confidence was restored and crowns were perfected. Beyond her home, she also dedicated her spare time to her best friend’s salon, D & D Salon, owned by the late Mrs. Diane McAllister, where her talent and warm spirit continued to shine.

Eloise was a faithful member of Peaceful Baptist Church, where she served devotedly on the Gospel Choir and the Senior Usher Board until her health declined. Her commitment to her church family was unwavering, and she served with joy and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Melvin Thomas, Sr.; her parents, Enoch Fullard, Sr. and Josephine Cannon Fullard; and her siblings, Lillian Garland, Dorothy Wiggins, Retha Ray, Willie Jennings, Ernestine Hunter, Annie Wiley, and Enoch Fullard, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Micheal Ellis Thomas, Sr. of Timmonsville; Marcia Ann (Timothy) Washington of the home; Melvin (LaDrenda) Thomas, Jr. of Timmonsville, SC; Antonio (Tyhisa) Thomas, Sr. of Charleston, SC; Timothy (Carletta) Wilson of Philadelphia, PA; and LaCresha (Reginald) Johnson of Timmonsville, SC. She also leaves behind three special grandchildren reared in her home: Nigel K. Thomas, LaMarion Mack, and Ashaunti Washington; twenty-four grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren (two in waiting); one beloved sibling, Henrietta (Julius) Rembert of  Sumter, SC; one daughter-in-law, Mary Thomas; five brothers-in-law: Nathaniel Thomas, Roosevelt Thomas, Sr., Liston Thomas, Linberg (Gladys) Thomas, and Theron Thomas; four sisters-in-law: Jettie K. Thomas, Joann Thomas, Vernita Thomas, and Frances Thomas; four special friends: Shirley McDaniels, Sadie Brockington, Magnolia Bennet and Pastor Helen Jeffery; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory.

Mrs. Eloise Fullard Thomas lived a life marked by love, service, elegance, and faith.  Her legacy will continue through every meal prepared with care, every crown perfected with confidence, and every life she touched with her unwavering love.