Carol Lancaster Thomas

Carol Lancaster Thomas, age 85, of Alpharetta, Georgia passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 after a long illness. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was cared for lovingly by her family during her illness, especially her daughter, Lisa. Carol was known by family and friends as ‘Suzy,’ a nickname (Suzy Q) given to her by her older brother, Bobby, when she was a child. Suzy was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on February 4, 1939. After high school, she met and married the love of her life, Ernie Thomas of New Orleans. Ernie’s career in the life insurance business took them to several cities, but they ultimately settled in Atlanta to raise their 4 children, Lisa, Laurie, Jennifer and Robert.

Suzy had a love of education and learning and a heart for serving others throughout her life. She earned a Masters Degree in Interior Design at Philadelphia College of Art and Design, as well as a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. She was a talented interior designer for many years in Atlanta and the Philadelphia area. Her second career as a family therapist with the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta spanned over a decade in the Atlanta area. Throughout her life, she took great joy in working as an interior designer and continued to enjoy projects in her later years.

Suzy was a beautiful and gracious southern lady who will be remembered for her endearing qualities, including her devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren. She attended countless birthday parties, school events, sports and theatre events for her grandchildren, always looking so elegant with her hair styled beautifully and wearing her trademark scarves. She shared so much love and laughter with her grandchildren over the years. Suzy was also a gourmet cook, passing along to us a tradition of family recipes that we treasure. Food is ‘Love’ in our family. At the holidays, she was known to make many desserts so everyone could enjoy their favorite one, especially her chocolate silk pie. In her later years, she enjoyed travel with her family, various social clubs and ballroom dancing, old movies, and an occasional shrimp taco and a margarita!

Suzy is preceded in passing by her husband, George Ernest Thomas. She is survived by her children, Lisa Thomas Ediger and her husband Dr. Scott Ediger of Atlanta, Laurie Thomas Rising and her husband Jay Rising of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: Jennifer Thomas Pruitt and her husband Pete Pruitt of Atlanta, and Robert B. Thomas of Atlanta; as well as her nine grandchildren; and her sister, Nita Loyd of Midland, TX.

Suzy left her family a legacy of love, memories and family traditions that will be treasured forever.There will be a private family service at Arlington Memorial Cemetery on June 2, 2024 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MDS Foundation or the American Heart Association.