‘Part of the Dust Devils family.’ Longtime Tri-Cities national anthem singer dies
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- JaVonna Thomas regularly performed the national anthem at Tri-Cities Dust Devils baseball games.
- She supported local advocacy through her church, work and diversity groups.
- She worked at the Seattle Children’s Hospital Tri-Cities Clinic.
JaVonna Thomas had a clear, deep and soulful singing voice. For years, she performed the national anthem at Tri-City Dust Devils games at Gesa Stadium in Pasco.
When she died suddenly at the age of 49, she left a missing piece not only for her family but also for the Tri-Cities baseball community.
“Each time we saw each other, it felt like seeing a good friend again,” said Erik Mertens, the on-field host and director of fan experience and community relations for the Dust Devils.
Thomas sang at several games during the 2025 season. She was always at the top of the list to perform at season openers and special games like the Independence Day celebration.
“It’s a High A (minor league) team. They’re not in the major leagues yet. But when she started singing, you could see all of their heads whip to the side to see who’s singing. It felt like a major league experience when she sang,” he said.
Her last performance for the Dust Devils was Aug. 14, just two weeks before she died.
“We were honored that she chose to be part of the Dust Devils family. She had her work family, she had her church family and she had her actual family. So many people in our community knew her and love her,” said Mertens.
Thomas lived in Kennewick with her wife, Tomi. Their family includes daughters Jalisa Mustin and Keely Rabon and son Jerry Thomas. Two friends organized a GoFundMe to support her family with donations.
‘Advocate for positive change’
Thomas worked as a scheduling coordinator at the Seattle Children’s Tri-Cities Clinic for three years and also was an active member of The Vine Church worship team in Pasco.
Amy Taylor, the nurse manager at the clinic, described Thomas as “a passionate advocate for positive change.”
Tri-Cities patients benefitted by having someone local to connect with when they scheduled visits and referrals. The addition of Thomas’ role helped increase the number of new completed visits by about 20% in the first year.
Taylor’s desk was across the hall from Thomas’ office. She’d make a splash in the clinic with her colorful earrings, socks and T-shirts with inspirational words.
Guests at her recent memorial were even invited to honor her by wearing vibrant accessories.
Thomas was an original thinker and was good at problem-solving.
“She would drop these pearls of wisdom,” Taylor recalled. “She had this lived experience that gave a unique perspective.”
Thomas volunteered with the Tri-Cities Diversity & Inclusion Council and Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Black and African American Heritage Network & Friends connection group and the Q Pod and Friends connection group.
She also performed at other events, including for the Tacoma Golden Gloves, football games and the rodeo.
“She really strived to contribute to her community in meaningful ways,” Taylor said. “She left behind a legacy of advocacy, love, gratitude, happiness and confidence.”
