Elizabeth Sue Counts Thomas

Elizabeth Sue Counts Thomas, 73, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. Sue was born in Clincho, Va., on November 30, 1935, to Brice and Irene Litton Counts. Sue is preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Jane Counts Dillon. Sue retired from the Roanoke City School System in 2000 after 21 years of service. She was manager of Patrick Henry High School Cafeteria for 19 years and was a past President of the Food Service Association. In her younger years, Sue was active in the Miss Virginia/Miss America pageant while a member of the Roanoke Jaycets. She also enjoyed chaperoning band trips with Patrick Henry High School band when her children participated in the band program there. She treasured the many Sunday dinners with her family at her home.
Her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion, especially the Palliative Care Unit staff.
Surviving are her husband of 49 years, Robert "Jack" Thomas; daughter, Susan Thomas King and husband, Paul; daughter, Sara Thomas King and husband, John; son, Robert Scot Thomas and wife, Whitney; sister, Patricia Counts Burnette; and brother, Danny Lee Counts and wife, Renee. Also surviving are six grandchildren whom she dearly loved, Will King, Matthew King, Andrew King, Phillip King, Gracie Thomas and Emma Thomas; nieces, Beth Dillon Smith and Lynsey Counts; and nephews, Michael Dillon, Charles Burnette and David Burnette.
A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel with the Rev. Elmo McLaurin officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, Va. 24018. The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 19, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.