WALDRON, Ark. — At the young age of 38, Agent Lyonette Hale-Thomas passed away, leaving behind coworkers who say she was like family.
She first started working part-time at the Danville prosecutor’s office in high school where she found her passion for law enforcement.
"Lyonette just meant a lot to us," 15th Judicial Prosecuting Attorney Tom Tatum said. "We watched her grow up and she was just always such a positive person in the office."
She went on to graduate from Arkansas Tech University with a degree in criminal justice. But, it wasn’t long before she was drawn back home for her calling, joining the 15th Judicial Drug Task Force as an agent.
"She hated seeing the impact that drugs and drug addiction had on our community, on her friends and her family," Tatum said. "She really felt like helping get rid of those things was something fulfilling for her."
Commander Joe Patterson said Lyonette was nothing short of passionate and dedicated.
"She went after her job with gusto," he said. "She just enjoyed what she was doing. And she never turned away from anything. She always did her best."
So much so, that she eventually became the first female president of the Arkansas Narcotics Officers Association.
But more than just career, Hale-Thomas was passionate about life.
"She was absolutely the best friend that anyone could ask for," Lyonette's best friend and coworker Lindsey Shelton said. "She was giving and thoughtful and the ultimate supporter."
Everyone said Lyonette's smile and energy were infectious.
"She couldn't hide when she was excited or happy about something. It really, really showed. She helped inspire us all to be more positive," Tatum said with a sad smile.
Gone too soon, Lyonette leaves behind her husband Austin and seven-week-old baby Raylyn.
Lyonette was still on maternity leave at the time of her death.
Shelton said it’s her goal to keep the memory of Hale-Thomas living on for her baby girl.
"Yesterday, when I was holding her, I said, 'Oh, baby, we've got so many stories to tell you,'" she said. "We look forward to being there for her as she grows up, to tell her about her mama, and never let her wonder who she was."
A procession of law enforcement officers escorted Thomas’ body back from Little Rock Thursday, where an autopsy was performed to determine a cause of death.
Another procession on Friday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. will transport her body from Dardanelle to her hometown of Waldron. People wishing to pay their respects are encouraged to line the route off of Highway 27. Officials just ask that they find a safe location.
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