Dorothy Ann Davis Thomas, 82, of Greensboro died Aug. 22 at Moundville Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Thomas was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Greensboro. Known as Dot, she dedicated her life to her husband of 59 years, her family, her friends and her Savior.
As the oldest daughter, with six siblings, she spent much of her time caring for the younger ones as they were growing up, which helped prepare her to be a wonderful mother to her own precious children.
She will be most remembered for her servant’s heart. She spent many years studying the Bible, teaching children and adults in Sunday school, Methodist Youth Fellowship and Bible school, and serving as a lay speaker and a member of her church’s choir.
She faithfully served the farmers of Hale County at the Farm Service Agency for more than 30 years before retiring in 2006.
She leaves behind a legacy as one of the best homemade caramel cake makers and as a perfectionist seamstress. Whether making dresses for weddings, sewing for her daughters and granddaughters or mending clothes, she found joy in these tasks.
Her family is grateful for the Christian example she set before them, her love and compassion, and the faith she showed when times were difficult.
Survivors include her children, Bob Thomas (Julie) of Moundville, Bill Thomas (Katie) of Georgiana, Carol Thomas Barnes (David) of Moundville and Allan Thomas (Robin) of Greensboro; 12 grandchildren, Katy Thomas Davis (Zach), Erin Thomas Schlifer (Ryane), Sam Thomas (Hannah), Evan Thomas (Taylor), Anna Claire Thomas, Jacob Barnes (Haleigh), Thomas Barnes, John Caleb Barnes (Kennedy), Austin Thomas (Gabrielle), Alexis Thomas, Cole Allen and Kate Allen; seven great-grandchildren, Laura Davis, Rylee Kate Schlifer, Corban Schlifer, Carter Thomas, Blakely Thomas, Hudson Thomas and Greyson Thomas; her siblings, Sam Davis, Joel Davis (Lois Ann), Judy Davis Coley, Jim Davis (Traci) and Genie Davis-Eckstein; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Gene Davis and Virginia Lucille Simpson Davis; her husband, William Ellis Thomas; and her sister, Connie Davis Seale.
Her funeral service was held Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Mt. Hermon Methodist Church, 4826 County Road 51, Greensboro, with visitation at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.
Her family asked that those attending dress comfortably in bright or pastel colors, flowers and such, as she would want to be celebrated in joy rather than in sorrow.
Pallbearers were Zach Davis, Ryane Schlifer, Sam Thomas, Evan Thomas, Jacob Barnes, Thomas Barnes, John Caleb Barnes and Austin Thomas. Honorary pallbearers were her classmates in the Greensboro High School class of 1961.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Mt. Hermon Cemetery Association, c/o Linda Harless, 286 Night Hawk Drive, Greensboro, AL 36744, or to Make-A-Wish Alabama, 1 Perimeter Park S., Suite 100 S., Birmingham, AL 35243, or online.
