CARMEN KIMBROUGH THOMAS, 101
AUBURNDALE - Mrs. Carmen Kimbrough Thomas, age 101, passed away Monday, November 4, 2019 at her home in Auburndale with family.
Mrs. Thomas was born January 22, 1918 in Pulaski, Tennessee to Patrick Cleburne and Leona (Beeler) Kimbrough. Carmen and her family came to Auburndale when she was a child. She graduated from Auburndale High School, Class of 1935, continued her education at Rollins College and the University of South Florida. Carmen worked as the secretary at Central Elementary School while completing her Master's degree in education. She was a long-term educator teaching in the primary grades at Central before specializing in reading programs throughout Polk County. She returned to Auburndale during World War II with her 2 young daughters; living here until her husband returned from Active Duty in World War II. Once again, Auburndale became home when her husband Lieutenant Colonel James Carlin Thomas was killed in an auto accident in France in 1960. Carmen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Auburndale, member of the Order of Eastern Star chapter in Washington Court House, Ohio and a world traveler that shared her experiences with her students, church family and many others.
She was preceded in death by parents; husband Lieutenant Colonel James Carlin Thomas and 3 sisters: Mildred, Hallie & Hazel.
Carmen is survived by her loving family: 2 sons: James P. Thomas and his wife Cheryl Petty, Dennis C. Thomas, 2 daughters: Martha K. Coppola and her husband Carl, Linda L. McElfresh and her husband Steve, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to your church or the charity of your choice.
Graveside services for Carmen will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C. where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.
Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Like Linda Rosendorf, I met Carmen on our trip to Cuba. She was totally at ease with herself and the world. Carmen, once met, is never forgotten.
Meigs Ranney
November 23, 2019
I met Carmen on a trip to Cuba in 2011. She had so much energy and enthusiasm. She was a wonderful travelling companion. I saw Carmen several times after that trip and continued to marvel at her amazing pursuit of adventure.
Linda Rosendorf
November 23, 2019
Carmen was a sweetheart is the perfect description. I am fortunate to have been related to her by two marriages. Rest In Peace, Carmen.
Muriel Altus
November 13, 2019
Carmen was a sweetheart! I met her at Sierra Club meetings at Circle B Bar Reserve. She was smart as a whip and lots of fun to be around. A great lady and a life well lived.
Marian Ryan
November 11, 2019
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