Graveside services for 46-year old Wicanpi Win (Star Woman) Thomas, loving known as Star, are Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at 10:00 at St Mark’s Episcopal Cemetery near Rockyford with traditional Lakota services by Mr George Apple.
A one-night wake service starts Tuesday, July 5, at 4:00 at the Rockyford School with evening services at 7:00 PM
Wicanpi Win (Star Woman) Thomas, loving known as Star or Starr Thomas was born in Rapid City, SD on May 29, 1976 to Jo Ann Flynn and John Thomas. Star made her journey to be with the ancestors on June 25, 2022, at the age of 46.
Star grew up in Rapid City and had many friends and people important to her who became her extended family. Growing up in Lakota Homes, Star was always surrounded by family and her siblings.
As a child, she loved visiting the Rockyford family land on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. As a young Mother, she loved her children and took an important role of being an Auntie. She cared for her nieces and nephews and always invited them over for playtimes.
At holidays, she was the life of the event always laughing, smiling, and encouraging holiday music and playing games. Later in life, she became a part of the White Lance Sundance family and every year she danced or supported the family in Sundance. Star was found to be happiest when she was on the reservation with her children at Sundance time.
On the final day of her four-day journey to the stars, she was granted her Lakota name, Wicakpi Wiakpa Wi, which means Shining Star Woman. She was given this name because she is now with the stars and because she was always happy and smiling.
Star loved nearly everyone she came across and never judged anyone, and she was always around to crack a joke and laugh. She never forgot a name, a face, or a story and that made her so special to everyone. Star was known for her infectious laugh, and her kindness to all.
Despite her own struggles, she would always remember to be kind and to show kindness to those who needed it. She could often be found helping the homeless or supporting recovering addicts. Most important to Star were her children, grandchildren, family, and those that became family. Star will be dearly missed by all.
Star is survived by her five children, Edwin Brown III, Paris Brown, Emily Kornely, Adam Kornely, and Robert Kornely all of Rapid City, SD; her parents, Jo Ann (James) Bad Wound of Rapid City, SD and John (Wanita Faye) Thomas of Bartlesville, OK; grandchildren, Edwin, Annaleigh, Travis, and Catalynna; her siblings, Jonathan (Vikki) Thomas, Dawn (Paul) Sherman, Saheyala (Phillip) Gaudon, Red Day (Jeremy) Johnson, Martina Thomas, Jeremiah (Jody) Jurisch, and Elliott (Willena) Bad Wound; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunties, uncles, and extended family that she so loved.
Star was preceded in death by her grandparents, Verna Steele and Richard Gannon, Milford Thomas and Jerline Chisom of White Oak, OK; brother John-John Gallego; sister, Flower Thomas; and niece, Lucy Bad Wound.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD