Kristina Mae Thomas

Kristina Mae Thomas

While God was preparing a place in Heaven, Kristina took the hands of her Angels and walked into his beautiful garden.

Kristina Mae Thomas, born February 24, 1993, in Charlottesville, Virginia, entered eternal life at the home she shared with her "Mommy and My Dad," Carolyn A. and Wayne J. Chewning in Unionville, on Sunday, April 25, 2010.

At the age of two, Kristina came to live with her aunt and uncle and remained there throughout her life. At four years of age, Kristina was diagnosed with inoperable AVMs in her brain, and though they caused her many problems and complications, she continued to live a very full and productive life.

During her all too short life, Kristina made many friends and influenced many lives with her contagious smile and huge heart. Never complaining or asking, "Why me?" Kristina only wished for two important goals in her life. She wanted to go to Orange County High School, and she accomplished that in August 2007. She was a junior at her passing. Her second goal was made possible through the Make A Wish Foundation in January 2008, when she was flown to Nashville, Tennessee for a meet and greet with Alan Jackson, her favorite country music singer. While there, she also met and got autographs from Taylor Swift, Jason Michael Carroll and numerous Nascar drivers. It was a trip that she still talked about to everyone that would listen.

Besides these wishes, Kristina was able to attend Camp Victory Junction in Randleman, North Carolina. This camp was founded in honor of Adam Petty, who lost his life in a tragic Nascar accident.

Kristina was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church in Unionville, Virginia, on October 4, 2009, and was honored with many friends and family attending. Numerous gifts and cards were presented to her at this time. The Reverend Brian Harfst officiated. She was also participating member of the "Heaven's Messengers" Sunday School Class at Antioch.

Besides Carolyn and Wayne Chewning, Kristina leaves to cherish her memory her twin sister, Kaitlyn Anne Thomas, who lived with her; also her sister, Ashly M. Dassler, and her brother, Joshua T. Dassler of Unionville.

Michelle A. LeClair, Unionville, Danielle M. LeClair, Spotsylvania, Nicole T. Atkins of Louisa, April E. Marshall of Charlottesville, and their families were not only her cousins, but as she grew up, they became her "sisters." Her very special little cousin, Kadence Anne Lilly, became her best friend, constant companion, and playmate.

Kristina was born to and survived by Tina M. Dassler and John E. Thomas Jr. and his wife, Theresa. She is also survived by two aunts and a uncle, Constance M. Day and Cynthia L. Sullivan of Montgomery, Alabama, and Randy Rollins of Florida, and their families. Also, her great-aunts, great- uncles, and cousins in Maine will miss her, as it was one of her favorite places to visit.

Kristina also leaves her many cats and her three dogs, Dale, Dixie, and Max. Max is a Yorkie that was given to the twins before Christmas by members of the community as a therapy dog, and he certainly fulfilled that quest.

Many family, close friends, teachers, and church family from Antioch Baptist Church in Unionville, visited with her throughout her illness. While Kristina will be greatly missed by all, she is now spending time walking, singing, and picking flowers with her grandparents, who preceded her into Heaven. Paternal grandparents were John and Annie M. Thomas of Montgomery, Alabama; and maternal grandparents, Homer and Helen Rollins of Unionville.

A special thanks goes out to those who signed her caring bridge website and OCHS staff and faculty, all the numerous doctors and nurses from University of Virginia, Kluge Children's Rehab. Hospital and Hospice of the Rapidan. Very special thanks go out to Dr. Gregory O'Shanock of Richmond and Dr. Diane Pappas of Orange, and their staff that helped care for and love her. Without the comfort and reassurance from each of you, our journey would have been long and lonely. We will never forget you and know that you made Kristina's days full and happy.

Kristina will live on through others, as she was a tissue donor with Life Net.

A celebration of Kristina's life will be held 3 p.m. Friday, April, 30, 2010, at Johnson Funeral Home in Locust Grove, Virginia. A visitation will be held prior from 1:30 until 3 p.m. at the funeral home. The Reverend Brian Harfst of Antioch will conduct the service, with assistance from Denise Vogt.

Messages of condolences may be made at the website of www.caringbridge.org/visit/kristinathomas and at www.johnsoncares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, University of Virginia Children's Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, or the Hospice of the Rapidan in Culpeper, Virginia, in Kristina's name.

The days may have been long and the nights short Kristina, but you will remain in our hearts forever. We love and cherish you and your spirit. Rest comfortably sweetheart.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.