Nancy Thomas

NANCY BLUE THOMAS, a West Virginia civic leader who devoted herself to her family and community, died on August 24, 2025, at the age of 97.
A devoted mother of five, Nancy served in a number of civic and volunteer capacities. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 31, 1928, to Elizabeth Pratt Blue and William Frederick Blue, she graduated from Hollins University in 1950. She was married to her beloved husband of 68 years, L. Newton Thomas, Jr., in 1953. Nancy served on the Board of Trustees at Hollins where she devoted her time and talents, and was recognized with the Rath Award for "extraordinary contribution to the Hollins community," served as Alumnae Board President and received the Hollins medal for "distinction, service to Hollins and to women's life and education in general."
Nancy was also active in the Charleston Community, serving on the Friends of Sunrise and Sunrise Art Museum Board, and as Interim Director of Sunrise, Board Member of Charleston's Parent Advisory Council and teacher at First Presbyterian Church. She served tirelessly as a Girl Scout leader, including leading camping trips and serving as Board Member for the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council. She was a Junior League Sustainer and President of Keep a Child in School. She served on the Board of Directors for the Center for the Arts and Sciences and was Chairwoman of the Center's Interior Design Advisory Committee. She has also been a long-time volunteer with the Covenant House Clothing Closet, the Kanawha Garden Club and the Briar Hills Garden Club. Along with her late husband, she helped to establish Edgewood Summit Retirement Community and The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. She was an ardent supporter of The George Washington Foundation for more than 35 years as a Regent and Trustee.
Despite her active volunteerism, Nancy was most devoted to her children and grandchildren, in whose hearts she will always hold a special place. Her enduring legacy was her love and respect for her husband - they worked well as a team, but also encouraged each other's work and service apart from the other. Nancy was faithful, steady, kind, thoughtful and resilient. She was unflappable in the midst of chaos, uncomplaining in adversity, tireless in her care, devotion and hospitality, and steady and committed in her Christian faith. Even with her cautious nature, she was ready for the adventure of living in a coal mining community for 16 years with her family of five children on a dirt road and railroad track, leading Girl Scout camping trips, learning to ice skate and ski as an adult, and traveling with her children and grandchildren to far flung places.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, L. Newton Thomas, Jr.; her brother, Fred Blue, and her eldest son, L. Newton Thomas, III.
She is survived by her daughters, Kim (Mike) Foster, Katharine (Will) Harbison and Nancy (Rich) Keshian, and son, Addison (Nancy) Thomas; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
The family is especially grateful for the compassionate and faithful care of Teresa Walker-Lucas, Brandy Bailey, Erica Lucas, and Whitney Brester.
A celebration of Nancy's life will take place at 2 p.m. on November 25, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301. There will be a reception immediately following the service at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia, 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, Edgewood Summit, the Covenant House, Hubbard Hospice House, the George Washington Foundation and a charitable organization of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to Nancy's family at www.barlowbonsall.com .
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.