Myfanwy 'Miffy' Dorothy Thomas

Myfanwy "Miffy" Dorothy Thomas, longtime resident of Springdale, Ark., passed away on Aug. 9, 2013, at the age of 86 in Brazosport Regional Hospital, Lake Jackson, Texas. Born in Abertillery, Wales, in the United Kingdom, she met her husband, Russell Thomas, a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, when she was working in Woolworth's Department Store in January of 1945. He'd spotted her from afar at a base dance the night before. He introduced himself to her the very next day. They were married Oct. 17, 1945, at Saint Newlyn's church in Cornwall, England. She arrived in the United States on July 4, 1946. Miffy was the first British war bride in Newton County, Ark. Her parents preceding her in death, her father, Harold George Leaman; mother, Alice Louise Lewis Leaman; and Miffy's brother, Trevor George Leaman. She is also preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her son, Barry Russell Leaman Thomas, and her daughter-in-law, Sallye Thomas. Miffy is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ida Edwards, and brother-in-law, Truman Murphy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Since Dec. 18, 2011, she'd been living in Clute, Texas, with her son and daughter-in-law. Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel of Springdale. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. here at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3291 S. Thompson St., Springdale, AR 72764. To sign the guest book online, please visit www.siscofuneral.com.