HAMLET — Mrs. Barbara Davis Thomas, 92, of Hamlet, passed away peacefully, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, at Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation surrounded by her family.
She was born Dec. 29, 1928 in Gainesville, Florida, daughter of Grover Madison Davis and Willie Bryant Davis; she was the last survivor of seven siblings.
Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of the University of Florida where she was in the first coed class when they began admitting women. She was a charter member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and was on the cheerleading squad for the Gators for two years.
Mrs. Thomas had a long distinguished career in education — teacher, principal and supervisor. She loved working with children and is fondly remembered by many of her former students. She was also active in her church serving as a deacon and teaching Sunday school, but her special calling was for the outreach ministry.
Under her leadership, Hamlet was designated a Tree City USA; she formed the first Tree Board in Hamlet, which is now the Hamlet Tree and Beautification Group, as well she also organized the Conservation Rangers at Monroe Avenue School; nurturing young trees to give to the community with these students and teaching them about conservation was near and dear to her heart.
Barbara was active in the Senior Games for many years, being a gold medalist champion in table tennis on the local and state levels; going on to national competitions.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at First Baptist Church, 208 Charlotte St. Hamlet, from 1-2 p.m.
The funeral will begin at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Hamlet.
Burial will follow at Mary Love Cemetery, Hamlet.
Please wear a face covering and continue to practice social distancing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Richard William Thomas, passed away June 2015; and her siblings.
Survivors include her daughter, Becky Thomas Neal and husband, Dr. Paul Neal of Southern Pines; son, Richard W. Thomas Jr. of Waynesville; grandchildren, Holly Neal of Charlotte, Gray Neal and wife Tara of Navarre, Florida, Dr. David Neal and wife Dr. Sandra Nasser-Neal of Charlotte, Alex Thomas of Waynesville and Nicholas Thomas of Waynesville; two great-grandchildren, Jonny and Nathan Neal both of Navarre, Florida.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Thomas’ memory to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 906, Hamlet. NC 28345.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Thomas.
Online condolences may be made at www.harringtonfuneralhome.com.
