Janiel Kelsey Thomas Obituary (1932 - 2014)

On February 28th, 1932 Janiel Kelsey Thomas was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Newel and Esdale Kelsey and peacefully departed this earth on April 8th, 2014 in the comfort of her own home with those she loved. Janiel was married to Vernal E. Thomas on February 5, 1949 and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Janiel lived a life that defied the odds and taught those around her the meaning of perseverance and faith. She battled a terminal illness, Scleroderma, for 32 years and repeatedly showed her doctors and family that she would not allow the disease to prevent her from living the life she wanted to live. She was an accomplished musician; talented on the organ and the piano and frequently played for the church she attended each week. Janiel was dedicated to service and lived a life that was selfless above all else. She frequently donated the little energy she had to others around her, giving of her musical talents, her abilities with a sewing machine, filling the kitchen with delicious smells, or simply offering the advice that we all cherished. She taught us the lesson of selflessness, never complaining or pitying herself, but instead stubbornly pushing forward against the illness that claimed her body. Janiel, or "Gram" as we knew her, will leave behind a legacy that we all carry inside ourselves and will be dearly missed for the joy she gave us all. Janiel was preceded in death by her daughter, Janette Smith. She leaves among the living her husband, Vernal Edward Thomas, 5 additional children, David J. (Terrie), Carol DeSpain (Dan), Gary (Becky), Julie Cowdell (Kim) and Deanna Thomas-Lewis (Kelly), 27 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Also, one sister, Merilyn Wright (Mel). Funeral services will be held at the Brighton Stake Center, 2895 E. Creek Road, at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2014. Viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 before the funeral. The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Grant Hawkins and Brigitte Hansen for their excellent care and service. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley