Nancy Jo Thomas

Nancy Jo (Shifflett) Thomas, 80, peacefully entered her heavenly home on March 9, 2025. Born on July 26, 1944, in Albemarle County, Virginia, Nancy was the daughter of late George Harvey Shifflett and Nelie Florence Shifflett. She graduated from Rock Hill Academy and Watson's Beauty School, as a hairstylist, in 1962. She joyfully committed to her skill for 57 years, at Parker Beauty Center, Downtown Hairstylist (co-owner) and ultimately, in her home salon. She cultivated and nurtured meaningful friendships with her colleagues and customers. Nancy married her beloved, lifelong dance partner, Rodney, in 1967. Their partnership was beautiful. Together, they raised two children, attended Belmont Baptist Church, entertained, traveled, enjoyed golf, trips to the beach, and danced whenever the opportunity arose. Nancy adored her husband and their life together. Nancy placed value on taking care of others, squeezing them in for a haircut after being on her feet all day or buying a dish from their collection at TJ Maxx. She found reward in throwing a baby shower, hosting a dinner party or simply visiting a lonely loved one. She was selfless. Nancy dedicated a lot of her time to honoring and celebrating others. She used her gift of creativity to make things beautiful. Her Christmas trees are legendary. Neighbors and friends would visit just to see her magnificent decorations at the holidays. Nancy's friends and family describe her as the life of the party, one of a kind, creative, generous, warm and vibrant. She loved to be involved, to connect and to relate to others. She proudly served on the Dogwood Foundation Board and on the Chamber of Commerce Board. She cherished her golf friends, at Meadowcreek, Farmington and Greene Hills. She relished time with her Beta Sigma-Phi sorority girls. She was loyal to UVA athletics, donning her favorite color, orange, at the football and basketball games. Her grandchildren characterize their Nana as a great story teller, a fashionista, sassy, sweet, caring and having a great sense of humor. They recount her being a "people person", full of life, determined, driven and nocturnal. There was never enough time in the day to finish all that she wanted to do. They understood her need for retail therapy early on, as she made sure they had proper walking shoes from Stride Rite. She also stocked the shed with all the best pool toys and was delighted when they used the pool, even as young adults. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rodney Thomas; her sisters Bulah Sprouse, Chellie Polonitza, Ruby Scruggs, and Thelma Widener; and her brothers Ferrell Shifflett, Edward Shifflett, Randel Shiflett and Sherman Shifflett. She is survived by her sister Linda Shifflett and her brother Ralph Shiflett; her son Rod Thomas (Megan) and daughter Ashley Loftis (Christopher), her sweet grandchildren Reed Slocum, Elyse Bentley (Cole), Anders Thompson, Aidan Thompson, Makala Thomas, Madi Thomas, Alden Thompson and Alex Thompson; and her great-grandchildren Farrah Bentley, Oaklynn Bentley, Karter Thomas and Layne Townsend. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly. Funeral services will be held at Belmont Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to The Hospice of the Piedmont. The family would also like to thank all of her caregivers. Their commitment to and love for her was a blessing. Condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.