Lydia Mae Hines Thomas, 66

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Lydia was born on June 2, 1951 in Los Angeles, California and was called home by our Lord on February 10, 2018 in Long Beach, California. Lydia grew up in Carson, California and attended San Francisco State University. After, she began a career at the Post Office at a young age, but went on to become the first female Staff Assistant in the Long Beach Unified School District. Lydia dedicated herself to helping and mentoring youths from various backgrounds. She began to work with gang members alongside the Gang Task Force as well as kids from broken homes. After enduring a bad ankle injury, she was forced into retirement after 23 years of service within the community of Long Beach. Lydia's desire to help others never faded, so after some years of not working, she returned to school and received her certification as a Paralegal.

Lydia's magnetic, caring and giving way compelled her to keep track of students, parents and co-workers that meant so much to her. This led to many of her long-term friendships. Lydia was not only considered family and a friend, but to many she was also a "second mom"; "an aunt" and "a sister". Lydia will not only be loved and missed, she will not be forgotten.

Lydia is survived by husband James L. Thomas, brother James E. Hines II, sister Lisa Wicks, her children Peter D. Hillard Jr. and Terri G. Marfurt; Peter's current wife Kimberly, his sons Patrick & Damin Hillard, Terri's husband Philipp & daughter Sierra Marfurt and countless others.

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