Annette Agnes Thomas

Annette A. Thomas, 87, passed away on February 5, 2026.

Born on June 30, 1938, in Baltimore, Annette was the daughter of Agnes and Edward Appleby, Sr. She grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Southern High School in 1956. Two years later, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Thomas, and in 1961 the couple made their home in Ferndale, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in community service.

Annette devoted more than six decades to local Democratic politics, beginning in 1964 and continuing through the present day. She and Jim were honored with the Julia Miller Unsung Hero Award from the District 32 Democratic Club in recognition of their dedication. Annette was an active member of several Democratic clubs, including District 32, Stoney Creek, Roland Terrace, and West County. Beyond politics, she also enjoyed her involvement with the Ferndale Garden Club and the Women’s Club of Linthicum.

Professionally, Annette worked for Anne Arundel County, first with the Department of Aging and later as a cashier in the Finance Office. Outside of work, she was an avid crafter with a particular love for cross-stitching, amassing an impressive collection of patterns and supplies over the years. She cherished traveling with her family—especially trips to Disney World—and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at their sporting events, concerts, and performances. A devoted Orioles fan, she followed the team faithfully.

Above all, Annette treasured her family. She is survived by her daughter Michele (Thomas) DeGrange and husband Ed DeGrange Jr.; her son Steven Thomas and wife Elena (Sophocleus) Thomas; and her grandchildren James Thomas, Brian Shatt and husband Matt Seiger, Eddie DeGrange and wife Kelly, Michael DeGrange, Despina Thomas, and Christian Thomas, and great grandchildren Jacob and Ella. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim and her daughter Kathleen (Thomas) Shatt.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, February 12th, 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral service, Friday, February 13th, 10am, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Anne Arundel County Crisis Response                                                                                AACMHA/Crisis Response                                                                                                                                                                                               1 Harry S. Truman Parkway                                                                                                                                                                                        Suite 101                                                                                                                                                                                                            Annapolis, MD 21401