Rayma Thomas

Rayma Barber Thomas, 92, of St. Augustine, FL, died peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the Bailey Center for Caring following a brief illness.

Rayma, the youngest of seven, was born in Whitwell, TN on October 26, 1933, to Raymond and Mable Barber. After high school, she left Whitwell, after her husband John Holloway, joined the Air Force. Following his honorable discharge (1958), they relocated to St. Augustine for his job at Fairchild. Once they settled in St. Augustine, they knew they were 'home.'

They quickly fell in love with the city, and soon after moving, Rayma began her career working for local Doctors including, Dr. William Gibson, Dr. Bruce Whitten, Drs. Plant and Farrow, Dr. Sadowski and later Dr. Greg Gibson. Although these jobs kept her very busy, her real interest proved to be in finding ways to better her community. Thus began her career as a volunteer.

She participated in many local groups and activities working to make this City a better place for everyone. This wasn't just something she enjoyed, it was her true calling. Notably, she did not mind "volunteering" others (i.e. her husband) to help with whatever event or project she was involved in at the time.

She started small but soon became involved in many groups. Including, Poinsettia Garden Club ( 50+ years holding multiple offices at the Club and Council level); Pilot Club (20+ years holding multiple offices at the local and District Level); served on the Board of Directors for the early Blood Bank; helped establish the first hospice program in St. Augustine in the 1980's; helped establish and implement the first 'Life Line' program in St. Augustine; was a member of Sister Cities and worked on St. Augustine's 450th Birthday Celebration. She simply loved her community and helping others. Not only was she generous in giving her time to help with a cause or event, over the years she would make dozens, dozens AND dozens of cookies to donate to events. She was a great baker.

She loved to travel! Once driving from Florida to Alaska with her sisters, brother and a couple of in-laws. While in Alaska they visited Wally and Amy and their family and had many grand adventures.

Rayma also had a great sense of humor----(ask Kay David about Halloween), she loved to play games and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She lived in St. Augustine for more than 65 years and is survived by her daughter Elizabeth A. Holloway (Kay); bonus children from her second marriage: Ray Thomas (Jill); Wallace Thomas (Amy), Nancy Thomas Smith (Damian), and Wayne Thomas (Carol); multiple grandchildren, and several great-grands; her beloved sister-in-law Frances Barber (Robert); nephew Kin Barber (Missy); niece, Jackie Dorst; nephew, Avery Hudson (Amy Cherry) and multiple other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, John F. Holloway and later by her second husband, Russell F. Thomas. And by her son Johnny F. Holloway; sisters Mildred Wooden, Ruth Black and Patsy Black and by brothers William 'Bill" Barber; Herschel Barber and Joe Edward Barber.

Our family extends a special thanks to Rayma's amazing, long-time caregiver, Tralina Mobley. Without her outstanding and loving care, Mom would not have been able to stay in her home for as long as she did. We are deeply grateful for the many years of her wonderful help in assisting and caring for mom.

The Family will receive friends at 11:00 Saturday, March 21 at Craig Funeral Home in St. Augustine. A memorial service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be in Whitwell, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Bailey Family Center for Caring---Community Hospice; The Arc of St. Johns, Inc.; St. Francis House, or any organization that works to make life easier for others or towards the betterment of St. Augustine.

Craig Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.