Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Mar 13, 1924 – Aug 30, 2022
PORTSMOUTH - Dorothy B. Thomas, born March 13, 1924, passed away in her home of 65 years on August 30, 2022. Dorothy, known to all who had the privilege of knowing her as “Dot”, was a lifelong resident of Portsmouth.
Dot was predeceased by her beloved husband of 49 years, William E. “Bill” Thomas; her father James W. Bozeman, her mother Susie Bozeman and her grandson, Phillip W. Thomas.
She is survived by her sons, Billy Thomas and his wife Carolyn of Jupiter, Florida, Jim Thomas and his wife Patty of Portsmouth and Wayne Thomas and his wife Robin of Suffolk. Eight grandchildren also survive her: Peggy Jean Seaman and her husband Rod; Jimmy Thomas, Dana Thomas, Kim Thomas, Shawn Thomas, Kaley Thomas, Erin Ehlers, and Allie Ehlers and husband Brett. In addition to her grandchildren, she is survived by ten great-grandchildren: Emily, Gunnar, R.J., Madison, Addaline, Wyatt, Austin, Andrew, Lily, and Presley.
The family would also like to acknowledge our very special friend, Mrs. Shelly Williamson, who mom always considered “the daughter she never had”.
Dot graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, attended Longwood College, and graduated from Norfolk General Hospital School of Nursing. After a few years of private duty nursing, she left her nursing career to become a fulltime homemaker to Bill and a wonderful mother to her three sons.
Dot was very active in the Portsmouth community and was named “Outstanding Woman of the Year” in 1954 by the Portsmouth Women’s Club. She enjoyed playing golf at Elizabeth Manor Country Club and the Cedar Point Club. She also enjoyed playing Bridge and Mahjong with her many friends.
Growing up, Dot was a very active member of Monumental Methodist Church and later as a member of Centenary United Methodist Church.
Dot loved her family and friends; she will be sorely missed by all who had the opportunity to know her.
The family would like to sincerely thank Melissa Applewhite and her team for their loving care given her the last two years. Also, sincere thanks to Catherine Hill for her love and support, not only for our mother but also for our grandmother “Susie” for many years prior.
A funeral will be conducted by Rev. John Cole, Pastor, Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 3312 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p. m. – 8 p.m. at B.W. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Centenary United Methodist Church, or to any charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
Read MoreMy heart is heavy as I just learned of Dot's passing. She was my mother's best friend growing up in Portsmouth. My mother was Norma Hunt Horton. Dot and me kept up over the years. I attempted to call her this evening only to find that her number was disconnected. Google search revealed that she had passed. I wish I had known. Rest in peace, sweet Dot.
Mary Beth Grady
December 18, 2022 | Raleigh, NC | Friend
Dorothy was a dear neighbor in Pinehurst. Always friendly and we were always getting each other's mail having the same last name and both living on wake Forest Rd. As members of Centenary we crossed paths often and we noted all the generous things she did for the church. We left Portsmouth 15 years ago and haven't kept in touch. Our deepest sympathy goes to all her family especially Peggy Thomas, grandaughter and friend of our sons. Love, Peggy, Tim, Jaye, and Lee Thomas.
Peggy Thomas
October 14, 2022 | Wake Forest, NC | Neighbor
To a wonderful old friend Grace Heidt
Grace Heidt
September 11, 2022 | Friend
I always loved when Mrs. Thomas called the office, we would talk and talk about the sweetest things. She would talk about her Mom and how she was doing and taking care of her. When Dana moved to Richmond, I really think he was the apple of her eye. She would ask about our children and Pat and one time after she and I hung up I had to call her back to see what sprinkler head she said wasn't working, I forgot to write it down. Mrs. Thomas was a wonderful kind person and I know she will be...
Lorraine Mims
September 07, 2022
My family loved Dot and her spunky, friendly ways. I always remember the great big Santa blow mold she would place on the porch each Christmas. I grew up a few houses down and was a neighbor for 26 years. She made you feel as if you were the most important person in the room when she walked in. She will be dearly missed.
Leann Bakht
September 06, 2022 | Portsmouth, VA | Friend
Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray
Kenny and Teddi Crofton
September 06, 2022
So so sorry to hear of Dot passing away. She was such a wonderful lady.
Jo Anne Vrhovac
September 04, 2022
Billy, my heart goes out to you and all of your family for such a great loss. Your beautiful mother was loved by everyone, especially in Portsmouth! She was such a ray of sunshine all the time. I knew her growing up and especially when your grandmother lived in Cypress Cove and Churchland House. Dot would always come visit my mother, Elsie Hall, at both of those places, as well. Portsmouth has lost one of its finest ladies, ever!
Bonnie Lusink
September 02, 2022 | Sandy Springs, GA | Friend
My deepest sympathy to the Thomas family and their many friends who are grieving the loss of Dot Thomas, their matriarch who nurtured them for so many years. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother who lived a long active life. May she rest in eternal peace and be remembered for her kindness.
Bernie Kirsch
September 01, 2022 | Friend
