Ms. LaShaunda Renee Thomas of 130 Quail Drive, Americus, Georgia, died Monday, May 4, 2026, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia.  The burial will follow at Staley Memorial Garden in Americus, Georgia.

LaShaunda Renee Thomas, a cherished and compassionate spirit, was born on January 17th, 1969, in Sumter County, Georgia. She was the beloved daughter of Edmond Thomas and Janet Broner. A proud graduate of Americus High School, Class of 1987, LaShaunda cultivated a life deeply rooted in her faith. Raised in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, her spiritual foundation remained a vital aspect of her life.

LaShaunda's love for children and her passion for education were evident throughout her life. She found immense joy in live music, reveling in the happiness and connection it brought to others. She pursued her calling by earning a Bachelor of Education degree from Georgia Southwestern State University, and she began her teaching career as a 5th-grade teacher at Sarah Cobb Elementary School. Through her dedication and nurturing spirit, she positively impacted the lives of countless students.

In addition to her teaching career, LaShaunda served as a cheer coach for many years, mentoring and inspiring numerous young girls in Sumter County. Her influence extended far beyond the sidelines, leaving a lasting impression on those she coached. Before her passing, she    faithfully served as the Curriculum Coordinator for the Sumter County School System.

A devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for 25 years, LaShaunda exemplified a lifelong commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and community leadership.

On Monday, May 4th, 2026, LaShaunda's earthly journey came to a peaceful end.  LaShaunda was preceded in death by her father, Edmond Thomas; mother, Janet B. Smith; stepfather, Ret. Presiding Elder Elijah Smith, Sr.; nephew, Brandon Douglas; aunt, Elma B. Golphin; and  uncles, Willie Broner and Eddie Broner.

LaShaunda Renee Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love, education, music, and community service that touched many lives. Her spirit will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

LaShaunda's life was enriched by a loving family and many dear friends. She is survived her fiancée, Kenny Wilkerson, Jr. of Americus, Georgia; her sisters, Melanie Anthony, Valecia Sales-Seay, and D'ete Foster of Americus, Georgia; her bonus son, Traylen M. Wilkerson of Warner Robins, Georgia; her mother-in-law, Barbara Ann Wilbon of Americus, Georgia; her father-in-law, Kenny Wilkerson, Sr. of Americus, Georgia; her uncles and aunts, Retired Colonel Johnny (Dorothy) Broner of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Retired Major Lester (Anna) Broner, Jr. of Kennesaw, Georgia, Rufus (Marchelle) Broner of Jacksonville, Arkansas,  Willie Golphin of Americus, Georgia, and Beryl Broner of Miami, Florida; her great aunts, Elnora Girven, Lillie Taylor Cladd, and Minnie Broner Battle all of Americus, Georgia; her nieces and nephews, Jacqin Wright, Yahsmeen Anthony, LaKeia Sales, Aleyah Minnis, Adrienne Anthony, Joseph Sales, Kelvin Coley, Devyn Coley, and Quintin Smith; her great nieces and nephews, Serenity Smith,   Trinity Smith, Anthony Bridges, Jasa Sales, Khai Coley, Jessiah Wright, Kade Coley, Nova Coley, Jaide Sales, and Jeremiah Tyner-Sales; a host of cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends, classmates, and students.