Carol Jean Thomas

Carol Jean Thomas, of Claude, TX, passed from this earthly realm to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019, at the age of 71. Carol was born in DeShay County, Arkansas, on July 14th, 1948 to Orville and Mildred Craig. She graduated from White Deer High School in 1966 and earned her degree from Northeastern Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana, Monroe) in 1970.

After school, she returned to Texas and began working as a medical laboratory technician at Northwest Texas Hospital. During that time, she met her soulmate, Mark Thomas, and they were married in Claude at the Methodist Church. They began their life together in Claude and started building their family, having two sons, Craig in 1974 and Macy Mark in 1978. Carol was a devoted wife and loving mother, working in the home as a housewife. After the boys were older, she began working with Mark at the family business, Thomas Auto Supply, until their retirement in 2011. Carol was an active member of United Methodist Women, serving in various roles, including Treasurer. Through UMW and the encouragement of the ladies of the church, Carol overcame her shyness by giving bible studies and presentations to the group. She became a thorough and prolific teacher at the church, leading the Knowledge Seekers Young Adult class for several years. Carol and Mark were active parents in their sons’ activities, with Carol serving as a Den Mother, Band Booster, and being the proud mother of two Eagle Scouts.

Carol and Mark continued to enjoy life after retirement, taking short trips to Red River, NM, Fredericksburg and Corpus Christie, TX, just to name a few. They also enjoyed volunteering at the Armstrong County Museum and attending basketball and volleyball games at West Texas A&M. She also took great pleasure in helping raise her grandsons, Preston and Macy Mack; and getting to play kickball with her great-grandson, Hudson.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Orville Craig, Jr., her in-laws, Al and Billye Thomas, and her son, Macy Mark Thomas.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Thomas, and a son, Craig Thomas, both of Claude; her brother, Rusty Craig and wife Cheryl, of Amarillo; her grandsons, Preston Thomas and wife Shannon of Detroit, MI and Macy Mack Thomas and wife Isabella of Panhandle; and great-grandson, Hudson Lee Thomas also of Panhandle; and a granddaughter in love, Abigail Miller. She also leaves behind her nephews, Shawn Craig and wife Barbra of White Deer and their children; Clint Craig and wife Martha of Dallas, TX and their children; and Torey Craig of White Deer. Also, numerous friends and church family who will miss her love, wisdom, council, and humor.

The family will have a memorial visitation service at the Claude United Methodist Church on Sunday November 24th, 2019 from 2 to 4 pm. The family encourages friends and family to come and visit, laugh, and remember the life of Carol Thomas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the General Fund of Claude United Methodist Church, PO Box 136, Claude, TX 79019.