Mary Opal Thomas

Mary Opal Thomas, 96, a resident of Roanoke United Methodist Home, Roanoke, Va., passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. She was born on August 21, 1913, in Salem, Va., and was the eldest daughter of Henry Jordan and Effie Lee Smith Thomas. She was also preceded in death by four siblings, Ora Thomas Garrett, Lerty Thomas, Herman Thomas and Ray Thomas. She is survived by six siblings, Wayne H. Thomas, Ruby Jobe, Ruth Hodges, Lura Lee Vest, Jean Moore, and Charlotte Lichtenstein; 18 nieces and nephews; 16 greatnieces and nephews; and four great-great-nieces and nephews. Ms. Thomas graduated from old Salem High School, Class of 1931 and attended National Business College and RPI (now VCU) and was actively involved in her work of Christian service throughout her life. She was an active member of Ginter Park United Methodist Church. Fifty years of her life were spent at The Hermitage in Richmond before moving to the Roanoke United Methodist Home. She was president of the United Methodist Women and Executive Secretary of the Hermitage Guild. She received awards from the Mayor of Richmond for her many years of volunteerism. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009, at Central United Methodist Church, Salem with the Rev. David Mucha, Dr. Bernard Via Jr. and Chaplain Roy Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ms. Thomas' memory to Roanoke United Methodist Home or to The Hermitage. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com.