Jean Lambert Thomas

Jean Lambert Thomas passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at Prisma Cottingham Hospice House, surrounded by her family. Born on August 14, 1932, in Lexington, Oklahoma, Jean was the daughter of Dr. Jesse "J.B." and Cora Phillips Lambert.

She is survived by her sisters, Janice Younger and Lue Melton, and her children: daughters, Susan (Jose) Sol, Sarah (Phil) Maiberger; and son, Reid Thomas. Jean's legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ed (Naine) Sol, Alex (Sofia) Sol, Andrea Sol, Andrew Maiberger (Kelsey), Rachel M. (Sergio) Hernandez, Hannah Maiberger, and Sam Thomas, as well as five great-grandchildren: Lea, Jose, Alex, Elena Sol, and Everett Maiberger. Jean is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Everett Thomas, her parents, and three brothers, Stuart, Mark, and Ray Lambert.

Jean and Everett’s love story began when they met at Oklahoma Baptist University. After two years at OBU, Jean transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where she graduated with a BS in Home Economics. Her passion for nurturing and teaching was evident throughout her life. Before becoming a mother, she enriched young minds as a preschool teacher. Later, as her children grew, Jean pursued a master’s degree in childhood education from Clemson University and returned to the classroom to teach 5th and 6th grade at Walhalla Middle and Gignilliat Elementary School in Oconee County. Her dedication extended beyond the classroom as she also served as a liaison for parents and teachers in a program supporting children with special needs.

Jean’s impact on her community was profound. She was a grassroots supporter of what would become Hospice of the Foothills and Collins Family Ministries.

Friends and family were at the heart of Jean’s world. She took immense joy in her role as “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love. As a devoted wife of a career military man, Jean embraced each relocation, forging friendships that lasted a lifetime. She cherished those relationships, often hosting gatherings, both large and intimate.

Jean was also an athlete and a fierce competitor. She was a standout on the state championship basketball team during her high school years and continued her athletic pursuits into adulthood, participating in various tennis teams, state championship tournaments, and celebrating her birthday annually with water skiing until her 70s. Jean even took up snow skiing in her 50s and enjoyed the thrill well into her 80s. Her love for games was matched only by her desire to win.

Jean loved the outdoors. After Everett's return from Vietnam, they bought a boat and created countless cherished memories on family camping trips throughout Oklahoma, Ohio, and Kentucky. The couple later transitioned to backpacking in the beautiful surroundings of Seneca, spending many nights along the Chattooga River, always seeking adventure in their travels.

A three-time cancer survivor, Jean lived with an unwavering gratitude for the numerous blessings in her life. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Clemson and active in the Kardia Sunday school class. Her strong faith was evident to all who knew her.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Clemson, with visitation following. The service will be live streamed at https://fbcclemson.com/ .In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Collins Family Ministries www.collinsfamilyministries.org or Prisma Hospice of the Foothills https://prismahealth.org/locations/ambulatory-labs-other/hospice-of-the-foothills.

Cremation Society of SC - Brown Funerals is assisting the family.