JaVonna Thomas

JaVonna Thomas at age 49 went to be with the Lord on August 28, 2025, in Kennewick, Washington.

JaVonna was the brightest thing in any room. She owned every inch of her 6-foot height, carrying joy and life with her wherever she went. She knew you couldn't help but see her, and she made the most of it. She was famous for her loud, playful earrings; brilliant hats and tiaras for her birthday; bold socks; and colorful sweaters. Everything from her shoes to her hair was an expression of the joy and love she brought to the world.

JaVonna was born June 27, 1976 in Tacoma, Washington. She grew up singing in church and in the jazz choir at Stadium High School. She was known for singing the national anthem at area events, including the Tacoma Golden Gloves, Dust Devils, football games, the rodeo and many others. She shared her talents as a member of The Vine Church worship team in Pasco, Washington.

Her love of music was eclectic and unbiased – with her playlist, you never knew if you'd be banging your head to heavy metal or lifting your hands in praise. Her wife, Tomi Thomas, introduced her to classical music and ballet, and they enjoyed attending live music together. JaVonna was an avid reader and writer, filling multiple journals and maintaining a personal blog.

JaVonna attended Tacoma Community College before moving to the Tri-Cities in 2005 to be with Tomi. The couple married September 21, 2013, at the Red Lion in Kennewick. Their combined family includes daughter Jalisa Mustin, daughter Keely Rabon and son Jerry Thomas.

JaVonna had an intuitive spirit, full of empathy and compassion for others. She had a passion for helping and seemed to always have the right words or hug needed. She worked in the administrative office at Seattle Children's Tri-Cities Clinic. She always left her office door open so the children walking past for appointments could stop and get a toy and a warm hug. She volunteered with the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council and Seattle Children's, as well as many other community organizations.

She had a zest for life and "shenanigans," and she and Tomi enjoyed riding motorcycles together and going on weekend adventures. Her attitude was, "If joy doesn't come to us, we're going to go grab it." She exuded that joy through her style, her smile and her warmth.

Today, we know that JaVonna is living the dream as part of a heavenly chorus. We mourn that our lives are a little less bright without her but look forward to one day seeing how big her earring collection has gotten with Jesus.

JaVonna is survived by her wife, Tomi, and their dog Rocky; daughter JaLisa Mustin; daughter Keely Rabon and husband Eric; son Jerry Thomas and granddaughter Jayden Thomas; her father Tom Mustin; her sister Christara Mustin; her brother Rojay Mustin; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Judy Mustin, and her maternal grandmother Geneva Coley, with whom she was very close.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 13, at 2 p.m. at the Vine Church, 9915 West Argent Road, Pasco. In honor of JaVonna's joy, people are welcome to wear bright colors, fun socks and big earrings.

In lieu of flowers, her wife Tomi requests donations to the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council, tricitiesdeicouncil.org/donate.