LUCY BUSH THOMAS

Lucy Grace Thomas, passed away on November 24th at the age of 94. Lucy was a beloved member of her community in Florence, Alabama and Donalsonville, Georgia. Although she lived at the Renaissance assisted living facility in Florence at the time of her passing, she maintained her home in Donalsonville, where she resided for many years after marrying Carlton Thomas, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were her brothers John (Joyce), Tom (Eleanor) and sister Sarah (Jerry). She is survived by 8 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and 15 great-great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held sometime after the first of the year in her beloved hometown of Donalsonville, GA.  More information will be shared when the details are completed.

 Lucy was a dedicated teacher, having taught 1st grade in Donalsonville for 30 years with her very dear friend, ME Hanna. Although she and Carlton had no children of their own, Lucy was like a mother, grandmother and great grandmother to all her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was a Baptist by faith and was involved in many activities at the First Baptist Church of Donalsonville, including teaching Sunday school, being on the Property and Grounds Committee, and the Women’s Missionary Union. It was not unusual to find her tending to the grounds of the church on any given day as she loved gardening so very much. She also continued her love for the church at Woodmont Baptist Church in Florence where she remained an active participant while residing at the Renaissance. 

 Lucy was known for her generosity and willingness to help her family and community in any way she could. She was always serving her community, tending to the needs of people who may need a ride somewhere, visiting the elderly or shut in or preparing a meal for families in times of loss or suffering. She was a member of the American Cancer Society and for many years organized and ran a benefit golf event in the name of her late husband Carlton Thomas. She never missed sending out birthday cards and kept her calendar filled with all those special dates. Her work ethic was unmatched, and she could often be found working in her yard, the assisted living facility, the church grounds, or helping her family and friends. When she visited family, she had her gardening tools with her and would pass her time planting flowers, weeding gardens or trimming hedges and bushes. She continued that activity at the Renaissance as she had her tools there as well. In fact, she had her favorite garden hoe with her on her most recent trip to Donalsonville where she went to oversee the cleanup at her mother and father’s and husband’s gravesites. She was never one to just sit around.

 Lucy will be remembered throughout her community for her generous, caring, and selfless actions and as such was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Donalsonville/Seminole County Chamber of Commerce. As much as she was committed to her community she was devoted to her family. She and her dear sister-in-law and traveling companion, Eleanor Bush, started a family reunion approximately 40 years ago, which has become a tradition for all her extended family. Every June, the family meets in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for a week of fun and fellowship. Aunt Lucy, as she was lovingly known, cherished that week at the beach and made it known that that tradition continues regardless. As such, New Smyrna Beach is a special place for all her family, and we all have so many wonderful memories of those days at the beach. She holds a special place in all our hearts. She loved doing things with and for her family. She taught many of her nieces and nephews how to drive on the beach in New Smyrna or in Donalsonville, took them swimming at the Flint River or nearby Lake Seminole, and we recall with fondness having many roadside meals consisting of her famous fried chicken, chicken salad, boiled eggs, and pimento cheese sandwiches.

 Lucy Thomas will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her life was exemplary, and she taught everyone the meaning of service in so many ways. She will always be remembered as a vibrant and loving woman who touched the lives of so many. Here is to a life well lived, Lucy Grace Thomas, and may your legacy live on through your family, friends, and community.