Elizabeth Carroll "Betty" Thomas

Elizabeth "Betty" Carroll Thomas, 102, of Harbor's Edge in Norfolk, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025. Betty was the widow of Vincent Johns Thomas, former Mayor of the City of Norfolk. Born September 12, 1923 in Roanoke, VA, she was the daughter of Elizabeth Parrott Carroll and Andrew Newton Carroll of Martinsville, VA. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Carroll Wise of Lexington, VA.
Betty graduated from Martinsville High School, Fairfax Hall Junior College in Waynesboro, VA, and attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, The Colonial Dames of America, the Norfolk Junior League and The Garden Club of Norfolk. An avid golfer, Betty played regularly until her 80s. She also enjoyed socializing, working in her garden, watching TV news or sports shows, and, especially, entertaining others with a new joke (a 'funny').
When Vince was alive, she enjoyed the travel and social activities that came with his many civic activities in Norfolk and his life-long association with VMI.
Betty is survived by her children, Allison Thomas Kunze (Dale) of Columbus, OH and Vincent Graves Thomas II (Paige) of Norfolk, VA; sister-in-law Barbara Hofler Thomas of Norfolk; niece Ann Carter Gardner (Woodson S.) of Martinsville, VA; seven grandchildren: Stephanie Kunze Johnson, Todd Richard Kunze (Audrey), Virginia Carroll Thomas, Mary Blair Thomas, Vincent Graves Thomas III (Ellie), Cabell Barker Thomas (Niki), Wren Thomas Reinhart (Garrett); four great grandchildren: Weston Johnson, Daphne Johnson, William Kunze, Vincent Graves Thomas IV; and many grand-nieces and -nephews.
Her devotion to family and friends was palpable. She cared deeply for all of them and was generous to a fault.
The family wishes to express their profound gratitude and respect to the nurses, caregivers, and staff members of Harbor's Edge whose support for Betty during her years in the healthcare unit was professional, kind-hearted, and constant.
The family will receive visitors from 5-7 PM on Friday December 12, 2025 in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. A burial service will be held in Forest Lawn Cemetery on Saturday December 13, 2025 at 12 PM, followed by a private reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 7400 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23505 or The Hampton Roads Community Foundation, 101 W. Main St, Suite 4500, Norfolk, VA 23510 (www.hamptonroadscf.org)
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hdoliver.com