Carol Ann Thomas

Carol Ann Thomas was introduced into this world on January 13, 1959, to the late Alfred and Elva (McRobbie) Smith, in Lowville, New York. Mrs. Thomas transitioned from this life on Friday, July 5, 2024. She will be greatly missed, but forever be in our hearts.

Mrs. Thomas graduated from high school in 1977 and immediately wanted to take the opportunity to serve her country. She enlisted in the United States Army in 1977. She was a proud veteran that served her country with dedication and honor for two decades. She retired with an honorable discharge receiving the patriotic rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7).

Upon completing her military service, she continued her public service duty and started a second career with the Department of Corrections (DOC) for the state of Virginia as an Academy Instructor from 1998-2011. Moreover, she utilized her years of experience from the military and the DOC and became a certified America Correctional Association (ACA) auditor state-wide for the DOC.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Elva (McRobbie) Smith; her sister, Lisa Smith; and her brothers, Henry, Dale, Warren and Harold Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory are her beloved husband of 33 years, Zelford Thomas; her son, Ethan Thomas; her niece, Tammy Doyle; her brother, Arlin Smith; five bonus sons; five grandchildren; eight sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; mother-in-law, Gladys Thomas; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and God-children; her dear life-long friends, Martin and Diane Vandevelde; as well as a host of friends.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM in the Rosehaven Chapel and will conclude with full Military Honors. A repast will immediately follow after the service for all guests and family in the Legacy Room. Mrs. Thomas will be laid to rest at Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield County, Virginia.

For those unable to attend the service in person, you may view the Livestream from the online obituary page at www.whitleygarner.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Disabled American Veterans at https://help.dav.org

If ordering a floral tribute, please contact our preferred florist for guaranteed service: Frances Florist, 12641 Veterans Memorial Highway Douglasville, GA, (770) 949-8711 or online at https://www.francesflorist.net

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven is honored to be entrusted with the services of Mrs. Thomas.