Affectionately known as both G-Mama and Granny by her adoring grandchildren, Essie Mae Thomas passed away on June 13, 2026. The cherished matriarch, born in Denver, CO, on March 18, 1953, received her education in the Denver Public School System. Graduated from Manuel H.S as a proud Thunderbolt and was a radiant beacon of love and faith who imbued warmth and comfort into every life she touched. A resident of Aurora, Colorado, Essie's heart remained rooted in her Colorado heritage, even as she spent time in Chicago with her loving daughter, Evelyn (Steven), and family.

Essie was an inspiring woman of depth and character who lived her life as a testament to devotion and selflessness. Her humble abode was customarily filled with unique trinkets and antiques, each one a representation of her love for collecting. Essie was not just a dedicated prayer warrior; she was also an avid writer, penning poetry that resonated with heart and soul, and even aspired to author a book. Her love for singing gospel and her unwavering faith in God reflected her profound spirituality. As the saying goes, "A good life is a collection of happy moments", and Essie lived this in the truest sense. She loved to travel, savoring the beauty and diversity of the world, and had a special fondness for seafood. Essie's life was an inspiring journey of love, faith, and resilience, which touched many lives in countless ways, including returning to her class reunion every time they celebrated.

Essie is survived by her daughters Essence Swain and Evelyn (Steven) Stephenson, her sons Devin Watson, Charles Watson, and Lauren Watson, her siblings Wanda Knauls, Flora Redd, Jamesetta (Samuel )West, and Teresa(Anthony)Nicholas also her loving grandchildren Christopher Lewis(Lauren), CJ Swain, Caulen (Gianna)Swain, Ahnayah McGill, London Swain, Javon Stephenson, Steven Stephenson Jr, and Jarrel Stephenson. Her legacy also continues to thrive through her great-grandchildren, Inari Thomas and Oakland Lopez-Swain, and her beloved sisters, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, James Sr, her mother, Evelyne Shepard, her son, Edward Thomas, her sisters, Lesley Barton and Jane Thomas, her brother Gerald Kelley-Thomas, and her son-in-law, Christopher Swain.

The family invites you to share memories and upload photos of Essie on her memorial page. The memories we share of our loved ones are the threads that weave an enduring tapestry of love, reminding us of their ever-present spirit in our lives. As we remember Essie, let us reflect on her life, her love, and her unswerving faith, and let these memories inspire us to live our lives with the same dedication, humility, and love that she embodied.