“Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers and overwhelms all transgressions [forgiving and overlooking another’s faults.]”
– Proverbs 10:12 AMP

Naomi Theresa Topps (Wilson) was born on March 29,1939 to Johnnie Wilson and JoAnne Williams in Helena, Arkansas. 

She was preceded in death by both her parents and husband, Andrew Jackson Topps, Jr. 

Naomi was an only child and was baptized in the Catholic Church. In her early years, she moved with her mother to St. Louis, Missouri by way of Memphis, Tennessee. In St. Louis she attended St. Mathews and Visitation Elementary Schools and graduated from Rosati Kain High School in 1957. 

In the 1950s, Naomi was a proud participant of the St. Louis sit-ins of banks, lunch counters, etc. While at Rosati Kain, Naomi’s nickname was “Shorty”. During her senior year she was Student Council Vice President. Her favorite class was Clothing (also known as Sewing Class). Her sewing skills were so advanced that her teachers allowed her to manage her own assignments/projects and any associated homework. 

Naomi made a wide variety of clothing for her children. Her oldest daughter did not own a “store bought” coat until she was 10 years old. She continued to sew until the last few years of her life.

Naomi’s profession and passion was sewing. She worked in the offices of Country Set and the alterations department of Leppert Roos where she retired. She continued to sew and was considered one of the top seamstresses in the St. Louis area. Naomi only accepted referrals from individual clients, high-end specialty formal wear stores and fabric stores such as Leppert Roos, Teddy’s, Winston’s and Jackman’s. She specialized in custom-made wedding gowns, prom dresses, high-end alterations and customizing patterns to a customer’s preference.

Naomi’s hobbies were maintaining her garden, purchasing items from her many catalogs, and completing word puzzles. She loved reading the newspaper with her breakfast, cooking for her grand- children and volunteering with the Rosati-Kain Alumni Board chairing several committees.

Naomi departed this life Monday, May 23, 2022. Naomi will be missed by a multitude of people including her children: Shawn Christopher (Cheryl), Monet Dion, Greta Marcia, Andrea Danielle, and Scot McKenzie; sister-in-law, Evelyn, grandchildren: Armad, Alanna, Jordan, Gabrielle and Grace, aunt: Cora King, uncle: Joe Love and a host of relatives and friends.

Mom

Mom, my Love, you filled us with so many memories
Like a symphony playing sweet music
Like the forest with lots of trees, a sweet summer breeze
Like the late nights of your sewing machine,
that fabulous hustle gene.

You were the first person I knew with a side hustle,
it came natural, a gift from God that you turned into

your brand, and it still stands.
Oh she’s the best, everyone could attest.
Your garden was your oasis, peonies, roses, butterflies,
can’t summarize the joy, you employed by working
with the earth. It was truly your worth.
You never met a stranger, your conversations

were game changers.
You only come pass this way one time,
were the words you uttered, and you didn’t stutter.
Take the trip, buy the shoes, you’ve paid your dues.
Your style and grace put us ahead of the pace.
Your mom is so cool, is what all of our friends would say,

we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mom we will miss you from the depths of our souls,
thank you for your parent patrol, it was your perfect role.
Your love for us is immeasurable, please be our
guardian angel and lead us to the laughter hereafter.

Services

Saturday, June 4, 2022
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon
ST. LOUIS CREMATION CHAPEL
2135 Chouteau Avenue
Saint Louis, Missouri
Elder Welton Clemmons, Officiating

The family of the late Mrs. Naomi Theresa Topps acknowledges with sincere appreciation the expressions of love and concern shown to them during their bereavement.