Emma Nerine Bower Thomas

Emma Nerine Bower Thomas ABINGDON, Va. Emma Nerine Bower Thomas, 93, a well-known resident of the Cleveland community of Washington County, Va., passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 3, 2010, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, David O. Thomas; and her parents, Tillman and Johnsie Bower. She was a graduate of Cleveland High School and Virginia Intermont College. She was an active member of Cleveland Presbyterian Church for many years, serving as Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher, and in the women's ministry. She is survived by one son, David G. Thomas and wife Marilyn of New Market, Ala.; one daughter, Yolanda McQueen and husband Richard of Abingdon; two brothers, Benjamin Dewayne Bower and wife Jean of Maui, Hawaii, and Jack Bower and wife Sue of Rio Rancho, N.M.; two sisters, Gilda Keller and husband Blair of Abingdon and Georgia Smeltzer and husband Bobby of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Nerine Thomas will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday morning, Nov. 6, 2010, in the Cleveland Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Donald Parker and Rev. Tom Musselman officiating. The family requests that friends wishing to attend assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday evening at Frost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cleveland Presbyterian Church; or the Cleveland Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, both in c/o Robert Berry, 22155 Golden View Drive, Abingdon, VA 24211 or the Animal Defense League of Washington County, P.O. Box 2099, Abingdon, VA 24212, in memory of Nerine Bower Thomas. A book of memories is available online at www.frostfuneralhome.com Frost Funeral Home of Abingdon is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Thomas.