In Memory

Clive Gilchrist (Thomas) - Class Of 1951

Clive Gilchrist Thomas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter gently passed on September 24, 2017. Born on July 13, 1931, she was welcomed into the world by her loving parents Isaac and Nannie Gilchrist. Raised with eleven sisters, their ardent love and everlasting bonds served as one of the cornerstones of her happiness throughout her life. Caring for her sisters instilled a sense of compassion and duty that would remain with her until her last breath.

For 68 years she was married to A. Ray Thomas, who she loved unyieldingly. Together they celebrated innumerable joys, resolutely carried each other through life's trials and raised a family that they loved beyond measure. Their children, Gary, Keith, Tim and Donna were the ultimate gifts that they shared with one another. Later in life, they were equally devoted to the love and wellbeing of their grandchildren: Will, Ben, Amie, Page, Amanda, Alan and William, as well as their twelve great-grandchildren and son-in-law, Ernest Crews, daughters-in-law, Alice Thomas and Mary Jane Thomas

While she was well-known to others for her her humble faith, gentle spirit and passion for gardening and homemaking, she will perhaps be best remembered for her unwavering fellowship to her family, friends and community. Her house was always open, a seat at her table was always ready and her caring voice always accessible to anyone in need of comfort. Just as she had done for others while she was able, Clive was compassionately cared for by a team of caregivers who enabled her to spend her final days in the home she loved, surrounded by the memories she cherished.

She is predeceased by her husband A. Ray and sons Gary, Keith and Tim; parents Isaac and Nannie Gilchrist as well as her sisters Elaine Womack, Wonnie Jordan, Inna Mae Womack and Maxine Gilchrist.

She is survived by her daughter Donna Crews (Ernest); grandchildren Will (Melia) Thomas, Benjamin (Carmen) Thomas, Amie (Ian) Bloom, Page Willis, Amanda (Daniel) Gabriel, Alan Crews and Billy Crews; sisters Yvonne Casto, LaVerne Starr, Dot Johnson, Peggy Smith, Faye Porter, Brenda Gilchrist and Gail Sloane; daughters-in-law Alice Thomas and Mary Jane Thomas; nephew, Jim Thomas (Glenda) and their son Kevin Thomas. In addition to her many nieces and nephews, she also left behind a lifetime of nurturing friendships that provided her great joy.

A funeral service was held at 2:00 PM Friday, September, 29, 2017 at Lillington Presbyterian Church with Rev. Barrett Payne officiating. Burial will follow in Westview Cemetery. The family received friends in the church fellowship hall Friday from 12:00– 1:45 PM and other times at her home.

A proud member of Lillington Presbyterian Church, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made there, so that they may continue to carry on the good works that touch the lives of others.