Jo Ann Thomas

Jo Ann Pyron Thomas of Zebulon lost her war on lung cancer on Monday, December 15, 2025. She was 72. Born to James Atwell Pyron and Kathryn Elizabeth Slaughter on June 25, 1953, in Suffolk, VA, the family soon moved to Burgaw, NC, where she spent her childhood. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC Wilmington in 1977, she joined her future husband, Robert, in creating and establishing a screen printing business in Raleigh, NC, which they operated together until 2003. She then worked with the Wake County Public School System, first as a substitute teacher, and later as the Data Manager at Zebulon Elementary School until she retired in 2021.

Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world," and Jo Ann was surely one of the brightest that everyone who she came in contact with was drawn to. She loved to laugh, and she loved her family. She is survived by her husband Robert of Zebulon, her son Nate Thomas and wife Sarah of Chester, VA, her two beautiful granddaughters, Abigail and Emma, her sister Kay Pyron of Burgaw, NC, and her brother Jeff Pyron of Viper, KY. A private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in her honor. And also, please remember to cherish your loved ones always.