Emily Marie Thomas

Emily Marie Roberts Thomas was born May 5, 1932, at the Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She married Alexander K. Thomas on June 29, 1951, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

She enjoyed being a mother to Lee Alexander Thomas, who was born on February 17, 1954, and predeceased her in death in July of 2007.

Alex and Emily were lifelong members of the Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania and after moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1993. Emily was a Stephen Minister at University Presbyterian Church and active participant in many programs over the years.

Emily loved studying the Bible and recently said she visited the bookstore weekly in her driving days to check for new versions. She searched for ways to live that would follow God’s plan for her.

Emily spent the final 6 years of her life at Terra Bella Assisted Living in Hillsborough, North Carolina and enjoyed meeting new residents and participating in activities. She was nicknamed Smiley because she always had a cheerful expression and enhanced the lives of all around her. Thanks, and praise go to the staff, caring people, and the lovely residents.

In the last months, Emily enjoyed the love and care given to her by Gentiva Hospice.

She passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of December 16, 2023, at 91 years of age.

She leaves behind no family members, but a large group of caring and forever friends.

A celebration service for Emily will be held in the Spring.

Charitable donations honoring Emily should go to Orange County Habitat for Humanity, Durham Rescue Mission, or Gentiva Hospice.