Diane Thomas

1950 - 2022

Diane Thomas
October 21, 1950 - October 19, 2022
Cary, North Carolina - Diane Reese Thomas of Cary, North Carolina died on October 19, 2022. Diane, the daughter of Frank R. Reese and Millie Virginia Reese, was born on October 21, 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida. She moved to Cary after marrying her husband, John, in 1983.
Diane embodied the humble servant's heart of the Gospel, faithfully serving God throughout her life. She was selflessly dedicated to her family, her church, and her friends and had a special ability to make a "stranger" feel welcome, seeking out new faces, including serving as a greeter at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary. Diane was a devoted mother to her sons, helping shape their formative years by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit and molding them into young men through her example and unconditional love. As her sons grew older, Diane worked in childcare, mainly at the Weekday Preschool of First Baptist Church in Cary, impacting countless young lives through her gentle demeanor and genuine care for children.
More than anything, Diane loved spending time with family, finding joy even in the ordinary rhythms of life. She was a quiet observer in most group conversations, but would break out in fits of laughter at a joke. In smaller settings, she touched many with her kindness, hospitality, and deep empathy for others. She enjoyed life's simple pleasures, like a hot Krispy Kreme doughnut, a fire in the fireplace, the changing of the seasons, and cheering for the Wolfpack with her family.
Diane is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, John S. Thomas; son David S. Thomas and his wife, Kelsey, of New York, NY; son Gregory M. Thomas and his fiancée, Frances Hunter, of Garner, NC; and grandchildren Jackson S. Thomas and Jordan P. Thomas. She is also survived by her sister, Paulette Reese, of Jacksonville, FL. She was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Reese.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh to honor Diane's life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina.