Judith “Carol” Thomas

 

Judith “Carol” Thomas passed away on April 10, 2023, in Amarillo, TX. She was

Judith "Carol" Thomas
Judith “Carol” Thomas

born in Rule, TX to Reba Louise Stahl and Raymond Elton McCandless. Carol graduated from Amarillo High School in 1971 and went on to earn her Education Degree from West Texas State University in 1975.

Family and friends knew Carol as a devoted servant of the Lord and others, who prioritized her roles as a grandmother, mother, wife and friend. After the birth of her first grandchild in 2007, she earned the affectionate name “Grancy”. She and her husband Mike loved to travel in their RV, exploring the country and visiting family. Their journeys took them to 47 of the 48 continental states, as well as Canada. Carol was also known for her talent for sewing and created beautiful quilts for those who knew her.

Carol taught middle school for 30 years, primarily in the Amarillo and Canyon Independent School Districts. Her former students will remember her as Mrs. Thomas, their math or algebra teacher. She was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lake Tanglewood Community Church, and served as a member of the Library Board.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dave McCandless, and her granddaughter Lillian (Lilly) Reese Thomas. She is survived by her husband, Michael Thomas, and her children and their spouses: Amanda (Mandy) Sessler (Sam) of Flower Mound, TX, and Richard Thomas (Jennifer) of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Mia Claire and Tripp Ryan Thomas of Dallas, TX, and Jude Samuel, Quinn Hazel, and Eve Mae Sessler of Flower Mound, TX. Additionally, Carol is survived by loving siblings-in-law: David and Jennifer Thomas, Heather Thomas and Alice McCandless. She was preceded in death by Rick Thomas.

Carol was married to Michael Thomas for 49 years after dating as high school sweethearts for 3 years.  She embodied the essence of a servant leader, exemplifying the true meaning of ‘agape’ love.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Lake Tanglewood Community Church, 106 Tanglewood Dr., Amarillo, TX 79118.

A service to celebrate Carol’s life will be held at 3:00 P.M., Friday April 14, 2023, at Lake Tanglewood Community Church, 106 Tanglewood Dr., Amarillo, TX 79118. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carol’s honor to Dress a Child, https://www.laketanglewoodchurch.org/dress-a-child, Lake Tanglewood Community Church, 106 Tanglewood Dr. Amarillo, TX 79118, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

 

 

 

 

 

 

17 Replies to “Judith “Carol” Thomas”

  1. I remember my first time seeing Carol across the campground going through her yoga poses. She executed a perfect Warrior pose. Such a strong woman with perfect form.
    I’ll never forget her walking me into the ground on her mission(determination) to see the Giant Panda Bears in the Washington Zoo. We made it, and just stood watching them in awe. Our reward and the thing to give us strength to get back to the campground was of course frozen yogurt.
    I will miss her,

    Prayers for Mike and family

  2. Richard and Mandy, I am so saddened about your loss. I hope your memories sustain you during this time. Your mom was such a gift to many CISD students.

  3. I truly loved Mrs. Thomas. I had her for math at ValleyView. I remember she would always read a book at the end of class if we finished early. She always loved books and shared her love with us. I remember the book Hatchett.
    My prayers and love to her husband and family. I’m truly very sorry.

  4. What a beautiful lady….Deepest condolences to Mike and the family. You are truly in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Sweet Mrs. Thomas was my very algebra teacher in the 80s, and I’ll be forever grateful for her immeasurable patience. She was a bright light in what could often be dim junior high days. May her family take comfort in the time shared with her. Blessings to you all.

  6. It’s hard to believe we have lost her in our travel club. She was the perfect match to keep Mike in check while RVing. She will truely be missed by our group.

  7. I received an email that Carol had passed away. Our deepest condolences for your loss. All our prayers for you and your family.
    With Love, Betty and Joe.

  8. Thank you, Lord that this precious lady is in your presence. I pray the family feels God very near during this time. Tina Page

  9. Carol was such a sweet lady. My heart breaks for all of the family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all.

  10. Carol is a beauty, inside and out, a Godly woman who loved unconditionally and such a friend, wife, mother. Rejoicing that she is healed now yet oh how I will miss her!

  11. She was an incredible woman. So kind loving generous and beautiful inside and out. We will miss her dearly.

  12. Mandy,
    My heart is crushed. Your mom was a mentor and friend to me. She was loved and will be missed so much.

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