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| Tough loss |
| By Ann Coppola, News Reporter |
| Published: 10/20/2008 |
Corrections professionals in Ohio are mourning the loss of Warden Jacqueline Thomas, who died of a heart attack last Sunday. A memorial service including presentations by local color guards and remarks from Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction director Terry Collins was held last week.Since 2002, Thomas served as warden of Ohio’s North Coast Correctional Treatment Facility. The Texas native previously served as deputy warden of the Lake Erie Correctional Institution. Thomas was well-known for establishing the mentoring and information program Women in Corrections, which encourages women to enter the corrections profession. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Women Executives in Corrections. Thomas also was an active participant in the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents (NAAWS). NAAWS president Mark Saunders attended the memorial service last week. “Jackie Thomas lived the reality that we are in the people business,” Saunders said. “She understood that corrections done best is accomplished through relationships. Jackie greeted everyone with a hug and a smile. She loved life and she loved corrections, but mostly she loved the people.” According to Saunders, Thomas was a soft-mannered and highly respected leader who, when taking on a problem, never had to raise her voice. “Only her eyebrows,” he added. Thomas was a strong advocate for women’s health issues in her community, and encouraged staff to contribute time and money to women's health causes. She hosted health fairs and served on a variety of community boards and commissions dedicated to initiatives addressing this topic. The 20-year corrections veteran is survived by her husband, five children and six grandchildren. Donations in Thomas’ honor are being accepted for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a foundation dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Monetary donations may be sent to:
Warden’s Office Attention: Debbie Hill 2000 S. Avon Belden Road Grafton, OH 44044 |
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Jackie Thomas was truly a hero. She gave me comforting words when needed and encouragement. She truly was a great leader and she will be missed tremendously. Corrections lost a great leader.
Elizabeth Braden Warden Jackie Thomas was a enlightment to all who knew her. She touched everyones life that knew her. Jackie was a role modle for everyone who crossed her path in life. I to met Jackie at LaECI in 2000. She will be greatly missed in the lives she has touched and the lives that did not get the chance to meet a wonderful person.
First and foremost, I was blessed to have been able to know Warden Jackie Thomas since the opening of LaECI in 2000. She has watched me go through the ranks and she reminded me how tough the road was but that she believed that I could make it if I kept pushing forward with an open mind to constant growing. I miss her daily and I will always love her. She was a friend, mentor, role model (for all females) and a wonderful leader.