YORKTOWN - Armelia Winifred Thomas, 87, departed this world on February 24, 2014, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born January 13, 1927 in Detroit Michigan. As a lifelong resident of Detroit, Armelia spent many months of her last five years with family members in Yorktown, which she called her second home. She was a devoted spouse, mother, and public servant, retiring at the age of 81 as a school teacher. She was preceded in death by her spouse of 63 years, Lt. Col. (Ret) Donald Thomas Jr.; son Petty Officer First Class Duane Thomas; her parents George W. Cheeseboro and Rev. Emma Cheeseboro. She is survived by sons, Donald Thomas III, M.D. of Florida, Dirk Thomas of Nevada, Dyora Kinsey of Virginia, Dayle Thomas of Michigan; and a host of grand and great grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 3, in the chapel at Smith Brothers. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, at the funeral home. Arrangements by Smith Brothers Funeral Home, 545 E. Mercury Blvd., Hampton - 757-723-4117.
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I loved Mrs. Thomas for her strength, dedication and kindness. She is a beautiful woman of God from whom we all learned so much. I love and miss your beautiful spirit. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend.
Linette Greer. KAHS c/o 1984
March 6, 2014
Mrs. Thomas was that teacher that reached out & actually reached all students especially students that were shy or withdrawn. She has touched many lives. Her presence on earth was truly treasured by those she touched. You will be missed Mrs. T.
Shawn Postles & Linda Washington C/O 1992 Kaiserslautern Germany
LaShawn Postles
March 5, 2014
1 of the most influential teachers in my life...the other was Mr Thomas :) Thank you for pushing me to do better in everything I was trying to do in my young life back in Ktown. Thank you for always listening and giving your lunches up for me and many other students. You will forever be missed but continue to live in my heart and every day life. God has truly taken his angel home. Love you Mrs T! Class of '91
Lisa Taylor
March 3, 2014
You were truly an inspiration. Thank you for your service.
Aricka P
March 3, 2014
My Mom. I will miss your words of encouragement and wisdom.
Chris Linson
March 2, 2014
I will forever love you Mrs. Thomas you taught me so much in and out of the class room from your "Best All Round Student" of 2007 DeLorian
Delorian Taylor
March 2, 2014
The Price's family is going to miss you Winnie we will always love you and Don.
Vincent and Dorothy
Mitchellville, Maryland
Vince and Dorothy Price
March 2, 2014
Mrs. Thomas was one of those teachers that didn't except excuses. I'd like to credit her as the teacher who most impacted my life in a positive way. She was loved and feared as if she my 2nd mother. She will be remembered for being a loving, caring, and strong woman. She will continue to live within the countless numbers of hearts of the students she has positively impacted and influenced. I think it's safe to say, "Mrs. Thomas, we love you". KAHS C/O 1990
Richard Jones
March 2, 2014
She was excellent teacher, friend and person. She will truly be missed. Former student, Kaiserslautern AHS c/o 1990.
Lucrezia Henderson
March 2, 2014
To one of the best teachers I ever met. I'm so glad to have known her. Prayers to ease the pain of losing such a great lady.
Elisabeth Donahue-Skaggs
March 2, 2014
Mrs. Thomas was my 12th grade English teacher. Her rapport with the students was amazing. It was just the right amount of fear and respect :-) I owe my love of English Lit to her :-) I am thrilled to hear she taught until the age of 81, and love to think of all the students she touched.
Sandra Yagge
March 2, 2014
A beautiful person and an excellent teacher in and out of the classroom. She will be fondly remembered. Prayers for her family. Thank you so much for sharing her with us- A Kaiserslautern American High School Student c/o 1990.
Malissa Brown
March 2, 2014
Mrs. Thomas was my 12th grade English teacher in Kaiserslautern, Germany. She was loved by all and made such an incredible inpact on so many young lives.
Delilah Bonnert
March 2, 2014
Mrs.Thomas had a profound impact on my life. Her example strength and wisdom are still with me today.
Amy Hulteen
March 2, 2014
Ms. Thomas was my 12th grade English teacher in Kaiserslautern, Germany from 1990 - 1991. She was a great teacher and well liked by all of her students. I offer my sincere condolences to her family. She impacted many young lives in a very positive way and made learning interesting and fun.
Sean Ellis
March 2, 2014
Ms. Thomas cared for our minds and our hearts, especially in the hard to reach areas (K-town student, 1991). You added value to the world we know. Leave in peace our teacher, our counselor...
Andrea Simmons
March 2, 2014
Mrs. Thomas was my 12 grade English teacher, in K-town. She was a fantastic mentor and wonderful person.
Jamie Mells
March 2, 2014
Your wonderful husband and beautiful daughter Nd especially YOU, mrs thomas were so much a part of my life growing up. We at k-town were so blessed to have you. Thank you. Thank you so much!
Lori Stevens
March 2, 2014
Mrs.Thomas was my English teacher for my senior year in Kaiserslautern, Germany in 1983. She was an excellent teacher, always fair and challenging us to do our best work - our high school FB is full of the same kind of comments. What a wonderful legacy! Rest in Peace, your work is done!
Tara Widener
March 1, 2014
Thanks to a wonderful woman who taught my son in K-town. She was kind and understanding and very easy to talk to. May she enjoy her eternal reward.
Ada Jean Barnes
March 1, 2014
A beautiful soul and an amazing teacher. She will be missed, and fondly remembered.
Barbara Williamson
March 1, 2014
Mrs Thomas. ..you will truly be missed. Rest in heaven!!!
Cheryl Johnson
February 28, 2014
Rest in Peace Mrs Thomas. Your life and dedication to your students at KAHS impacted many lives and inspired us all! We will see you on the other side, and all celebrate together in Glory!
Rick Francis
February 28, 2014
Ms.T was one of the most incredible people I have been blessed to have known.
She touched my heart and helped me understand what's expected from a young black man in the world we live in.(K-Town class of 84.)
Carl Bennett
February 28, 2014
Mrs. T, as she was called, was my English teacher in high school. She was truly one of the great teachers in this world. Her ability to encourage her students to excel, coupled with her unwavering standards was much more than just an inspiration. She was, and is still, loved by her "kids". She will be sorely missed.
Chuck Fuller
February 28, 2014
Dee and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. May the Lord Bless and comfort you.
Sean and Marcia McChesney
February 28, 2014
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