Elizabeth Anne "Lizz" Thomas

Greensboro - Lizz passed away on October 14, 2014 at Beacon Place.

Memorial Service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on October 17, 2014 at 4:00 pm. There will be a private inurnment at Westminster Gardens with family prior to the service.

Elizabeth was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 12, 1950, the daughter of the late Richard and Mary Elizabeth Hoffman. She grew up in the city of Detroit until moving to Kalamazoo in 1968. She attended Western Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy in 1972 and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in 1980.

Her career began as an occupational therapist at Battle Creek VA Hospital in Michigan spending 8 years working in acute care, rehabilitation programs, long-term care, and Vietnam Veteran programs. In 1980 she moved to Goffstown, New Hampshire. After several months she began independent working programs in a variety of occupational therapy settings including long-term care and children’s home settings. After moving to Greensboro in 1981, she worked for Charter Hills for a short time before becoming the initial Director of the United Cerebral Palsy Adult Center. This program provided work, jobs and training for an ongoing population of adults with multiple physical challenges. In 1987 she worked at High Point Regional Hospital as the director of the acute care program, outpatient care, as well as pediatric care. In December 1988, Guilford County Schools invited her to join the central office serving as a program administrator, a position that she held for 22 years prior to retiring in 2010.

When she and her son Erik Nuss met Charles Thomas, their lives became complete. They were all best friends and shared many adventures and treasured days together throughout the years. It was the love of “the guys” that kept Lizz fighting hard to win a losing battle.

Staying involved in a wide variety of local activities was always an important part of her life. Lizz’s work with Westminster Presbyterian Church has included serving as circle leader, Sunday School teacher, nursery assistant, writing mission, friendly visitors, Pathways, and the Appalachian Service Project. Lizz also worked with Guilford County Adult Assisted Living, Youth Focus, RSVP, Greensboro Historical Museum, Life@Elon, and Newcomers Club Burlington.

Elizabeth is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years Charles Thomas, son Erik Nuss (Amanda Park) and grandson Cooper. She is also survived by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Hoffman of Canton, Michigan, brother Paul Hoffman (Deb) and beloved niece Kai of Ann Arbor, Michigan, one paternal aunt, Marjorie Wesley of Farmington Hills, Michigan, and cousins Charles Myers (Lucy), Jack Hoffman (Katherine), Jonette Myers, Susan Propert (Art), Janet Proven (Brian), Bob Hoffman, and Nancy Hoffman. Her two sisters-in-law Janet Parker and Carolyn Thomas of Charleston, West Virginia will also miss her.

Her friends have been forever supportive and have provided caring assistance throughout the years. Members of her family circle include: Bob and Diana Sue Ramos, Jerry and Suzanne Pell, Gayle Nance, Trish Ide, Fred and Jean Jones, and Jim and Ruth Jackson.

Lizz maintained special friendships throughout the years. Her college friends continue to get together to celebrate their 46 years of friendship: Suzanne Gamsby, Donna Schonveld, Peggy Chapman, Barbara Miller, and Marilyn Smith.

The family expresses appreciation for all of the care and support they received from many health care specialists, especially Dr. Peter Ennever and his staff. They would also like to thank the staffs of both Wesley Long Cancer Center and Greensboro Hospice and Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s programs at Westminster Presbyterian Church to help children attend missions, camps, and retreats. Other donations may be made to Paws for a Cause, 4646 S. Division, Wayland Michigan 49348, (800)253-7297 or charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Hanes Lineberry, North Elm Street Chapel.