Elizabeth "Betty" J. Thomas

Elizabeth, “Betty”, Thomas, born January 6, 1936 in Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2021 at 3:16am This is not an ordinary obituary because this was not an ordinary person. Our Mother grew up with an adventurous appetite of conquering the world, and everything in it. She spent her early childhood in the area of White Springs, FL along the Suwannee River which provided many adventurous stories. As an Army Brat, she traveled the world living in Germany and graduating from Nurnberg High School, becoming an independently strong woman. After living 4 years in the dormitory of the school it was time to return to the U.S., leaving many friends behind as she returned to the United States of America. As internet technology grew, she managed to find many of her classmates later in years through the Overseas Brats Germany Alumni group, attending reunions and traveling with the group. She retired from Reinhold Corporation at Shadowlawn Farms in 1999 after more than 30 years, and from The Town of Penney Farms in 2018. Loving to travel and socialize volunteering in the community held a special interest in her life for many years, including, The Clay County Agricultural Fair, Clay County 4-H, Penney Farms Historical Society and Town of Penney Farms Committees where she also made many close friends. Most dear to her heart, was her family and strong Christian Faith as a member of the Black Creek Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her Father, LT. Col. Thomas “Tommy” James Thomas, and Mother Elizabeth McNeill Thomas. She leaves behind 3 loving Daughters, Mary Smith (Paul), Rene’ Anderson, and Tina Green (Floyd); grandchildren, Eddy Hunter, Roscoe Smith (Rebecca), Chase Smith (Sara), Stacy Wase (Ben), and Bryan Green (Jasmine); great-grandchildren, Tyler, Madison, Freddy, and Honey Hunter, Landen and Eliana Smith, Lily and Matthew Wase, Camden and Jensen Green; Raymond Zerba, a special person close to her heart; and countless loving friends she considered her family. The family would like to thank all of the friends for their support during her illness. She loved you all. John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in the name of Elizabeth “Betty” Thomas to one of the following organizations: -Clay County 4-H -Clay County Agricultural Fair -Penney Farms Historical Society A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the Early Florida Village Church at the Clay County Fair, 2493 SR 16 West, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 with Minister Steven Atnip officiating. A graveside service will follow at Penney Farms Cemetery.