Family, Community Holds Memorial Service for Hit and Run Victim
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: February 9, 2013
WEST MONROE -- Family and friends of a woman who was killed in a hit and run about two weeks ago came together Sunday morning to honor her life.
Althea Thomas, 49, was struck and killed by a car on Highway 165 in Monroe on January 29.
At that time, friends and relatives say Thomas and her husband, Freddie, were homeless. Since the incident, the community has united to help the family.
"I hope the suspect that did this is caught and brought to justice," said Freddie Thomas. "I'm truly hurt by this. I've lost the love of my life."
The city of West Monroe donated a plot at Hasley Cemetery, and over a dozen area churches pulled together funds to help cover the full costs of the funeral. Griffin Funeral also provided services as well.
Dozens of family, friends, members of the community -- even Mayor Dave Norris -- came to pay their respects.
Organizers say the service didn't cost the family a dime.
Relatives of Thomas tell us they're thankful.
"On behalf of the city and the mayor, we're really grateful for what you guys have done for her," said brother-in-law Roy Mims, who drove in from California.
Relatives say they've also hopeful the suspect in her death is caught.
"Whoever did this, I hope they catch them," said sister Elizabeth Mims.
There were no witnesses to the crash and no suspect or vehicle information is known at this time.
Also with the help of the community, her husband -- who has been working -- is no longer homeless.
Local churches are still pulling together to help fund the costs of the memorial and offer Freddie assistance. If you would like to help donate, you can contact Ron Downing at 323-8403 or 396-3653. You can also visit Downing's flower shop at 1326 North 7th Street in West Monroe.
Downing says he's working on getting a bank account set up for donations.
Anyone who may have witnessed the hit and run incident or have information is urged to call the Monroe Police Department at 318 329-2600 or Crimestoppers at 318 388-2274.
Althea Thomas, 49, was struck and killed by a car on Highway 165 in Monroe on January 29.
At that time, friends and relatives say Thomas and her husband, Freddie, were homeless. Since the incident, the community has united to help the family.
"I hope the suspect that did this is caught and brought to justice," said Freddie Thomas. "I'm truly hurt by this. I've lost the love of my life."
The city of West Monroe donated a plot at Hasley Cemetery, and over a dozen area churches pulled together funds to help cover the full costs of the funeral. Griffin Funeral also provided services as well.
Dozens of family, friends, members of the community -- even Mayor Dave Norris -- came to pay their respects.
Organizers say the service didn't cost the family a dime.
Relatives of Thomas tell us they're thankful.
"On behalf of the city and the mayor, we're really grateful for what you guys have done for her," said brother-in-law Roy Mims, who drove in from California.
Relatives say they've also hopeful the suspect in her death is caught.
"Whoever did this, I hope they catch them," said sister Elizabeth Mims.
There were no witnesses to the crash and no suspect or vehicle information is known at this time.
Also with the help of the community, her husband -- who has been working -- is no longer homeless.
Local churches are still pulling together to help fund the costs of the memorial and offer Freddie assistance. If you would like to help donate, you can contact Ron Downing at 323-8403 or 396-3653. You can also visit Downing's flower shop at 1326 North 7th Street in West Monroe.
Downing says he's working on getting a bank account set up for donations.
Anyone who may have witnessed the hit and run incident or have information is urged to call the Monroe Police Department at 318 329-2600 or Crimestoppers at 318 388-2274.
