Education
Born Lera Millard August 3, 1900, in Nacogdoches, Texas, she attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, and the University of Alabama.
United States representative politician
Born Lera Millard August 3, 1900, in Nacogdoches, Texas, she attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, and the University of Alabama.
She also founded Millard"s Crossing Historic Village. Albert Thomas was elected to Congress in 1936, and they lived in Washington, District of Columbia after that. The Thomases had two daughters, Ann Thomas Lasater and Lera Thomas.
She received over 74% of the vote against Republican Louis Leman who urged voters to vote for the Widow Thomas.
She served on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee where she supported funds to expand the Houston Ship Channel. Because he died after filing for office in 1966, Albert Thomas"s name remained on the Democratic Primary ballot for the 8th District and his widow determined that she would not seek a full term for 1967.
After serving the remainder of her husband"s term, Thomas left Congress on January 3, 1967. When she returned from Vietnam, Thomas founded Millard"s Crossing Historic Village in Nacogdoches.
She resided in Nacogdoches until her death there on July 23, 1993.
She was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Mistress Thomas was a member of the Houston League of Women Voters. After her term in Congress, Mistress Thomas served as special liaison for the Houston Chronicle to members of the armed services in Vietnam.