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Elsie Thomas Obituary
Elsie had been a peninsula resident since 1952. Elsie was the 'heart' of her large family, as well as, the many outsiders she raised. She was a former member of Aldersgate Methodist Church, and later joined First Baptist Church, NN. She faithfully served the Lord as a Sunday School teacher, women's missionary leader, and kept the babies in the nursery.
Family celebrations, including 'delicious meals' were a weekly ritual at the Thomas home with everyone being welcomed, after church, of course. She was a gift to others and one of the loving people God made to do His work on earth. She was a good example of God's love at work in the world and touched the hearts of many. She believed that life was not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed.
Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Boyd and Shirley Pearl Duff; her husband, Melvin Essex Thomas; sisters, Katherine Goff and Eva Owensby; and brothers, Warren and Albert Duff.
She will be greatly missed by her five children, Ryland Thomas and wife, Doris, Shirley Hancock, Faye Sands, Steve Thomas and wife, Nancy, and Joyce Turner, as well as 16 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home with burial to follow at Parklawn. The family will be at the home of daughter Joyce Turner, 735 April Lane, Newport News.
Dr. James E. White, Editor and Business Manager of the Religious Herald, will be the officiant. Grandson Marvin Thomas will interpret for the deaf. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elsie Thomas
Bridget Beale
August 19, 2008
Dear Joyce Turner,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mother was my favorite resident. she was so caring and always a joy. I loved to dress her and make her beautiful because i know that is the way she loved to look. You did a wonderful job taking care of your mother and for that you will be truly blessed. Your mother did many wonderful things for many people and will be missed by many but that Lord needed her more. she will be rewarded.
Billy/Deanna Taylor
August 16, 2008
Ryland & Doris Thomas
We are sympathy for loss of his mother. We remembered of her for long time. God be with her in heaven
Kayla Manninen
August 16, 2008
God bless you grandma Thomas you will always be missed but I know your looking down on us. I know how happy grandpa Thomas will be to see you. You are now our angel and we are blessed for that. Kayla one of many great- grandchildren. Love you always
Carol Craft
August 15, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you in the loss of your loved one. Bob and Carol Craft
Jim Elliott
August 15, 2008
Steve, I remember your mother. She was such a wonderful lady. I'll never forget how kind both her and your father were to me back when we both played Little League and Pony League Baseball. I am so sorry for your loss.
Debbie Webb
August 15, 2008
Thomas Family,
To express deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one, and to let you know that many thoughts and prayers are with you this day.
Debbie Webb, First Baptist Church of Newport News
Ruby Gilbert
August 15, 2008
Would that everyone's obituary could tell of such a wonderful life of service for Christ! My love and prayers reach out to you.
Ruby Gilbert, First Baptist Church of Newport News, Virginia
Carolyn Myers
August 15, 2008
Carolyn Myers and Charlesteen Womack reside at 737 April Lane. We are very sorry for your lost. We will truly miss "The Mother of Godly Wisdom". We will keep you in our prayers. If there is anything you all need Just ring our bell. Your neighbors next door Carolyn and Charlesteen.
Phyllis McCaskill
August 15, 2008
Joyce, Steve, Ryland,Shirley and Faye,
I am truly sorry for your loss,your Mother has touched many lives,me for one. I have felt like a part of your family ever since I was a little girl I was 9yrs old when I first met Joyce and was introduced to the family of the Thomas's.
Thank you all for sharing your parents with me and letting me be a part of this wonderful lady's life. She made a big impact on my life and I will always love her and give her the credit for what I am today. God Bless you all and I love you all like a sister loves a sister and brother.
love always, Phyllis Ann
CINDY WEBB
August 14, 2008
WE WILL MISS GRANDMA THOM SO MUCH! BUT WE KNOW SHE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH GRANDPA THOM AND WHERE SHE REMEMBERS FAMILY! SHE IS WITH THE LORD WHO SHE LOVED SO MUCH AND NOW OUR FAMILIES ANGEL! KAYLEIGH WILL MISS HER TRIPS TO VISIT YOU AND SHARE ICE CREAM WITH YOU! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!
CINDY ONE OF 41 GREAT- GRANDCHILDREN!
Kandy Insley
August 14, 2008
Our hearts go out to all the family, on your mothers flight home to the Lord and Savior.. May your family have piece, love in this time, to celebrate Aunt Elsie's life. Love to all Kandy Insley @ Family
Mary Jane Setzer
August 14, 2008
Dear Ryland & Doris,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved ones.
I pray for all of your famlies in time of sorrow.
Jack and Evelyn Yates
August 14, 2008
Ryland and Doris, may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. Heart-felt sympathy to you and your family.
Joyce Nettles
August 14, 2008
Nancy, Steve, and Joyce: I am so sorry about your mother. I know she had been in a nursing home for quite a while. Now she is with our Heavenly Father and is at peace. My condolences to your family.
Joyce Nettles
Vickie Servais
August 14, 2008
Your Mother and Father/Grandmother and Grandfather are together again celebrating their New Life with our Savior Jesus Christ. I know the peace you feel in you heart for their celebration will help you through the lonely times and the void their passing will leave in your life. God grant you all peace at this time. Love in Christ,
Vickie S
Tony Turner
August 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. We wish we could be there for you,just know we are thinking of all of you . Tony,Sue and Kevin Turner.
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