Obituary
Shirley Ann Thomas

Shirley Ann Thomas passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, in Raleigh, NC while in the loving care of her family. She was 92 years old. Shirley is predeceased by her parents Gladys and Clarence Thomas, sister Elaine T. Markwalder, brothers-in-law Stanton E. Markwalder Sr and Richard R. Goldberg, and nephew Thomas R. Goldberg. Shirley was born on August 28, 1932, in Wilmington Delaware. She attended PS DuPont High School and went on to earn a degree in Home Economics with a concentration in textiles at the University of Delaware graduating in 1954. She first worked for the Hercules Powder Company before changing careers to become a teacher. She started teaching at a school in Bel Air, Maryland before transitioning to Forwood Junior High School in Wilmington, Delaware. She went on to become an Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island. In addition, she earned a Master’s Degree at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. She later returned to work for Hercules at the Research Triangle in Raleigh, NC and then transferred to Covington, GA before retiring in 1994. A devoted aunt, Shirley’s nieces and nephews eagerly anticipated her coming home to Wilmington and Raleigh to celebrate the holidays, as well as joining the family for beach vacations in Ocean City, NJ and Emerald Isle, NC, and visiting wherever they lived to attend graduations, weddings and other special events. She was a wonderful conversationalist and was cherished by her close friends. Shirley was a member of The Brandywiners Ltd and participated in several musicals at Longwood Gardens along with her family and friends. She was very active and held leadership roles in various United Methodist Churches and sought community everywhere she lived. She is survived by her sister Jean T. Goldberg, nieces Sherrie M. Warren (Bob), Carol M. Brewer (John), Wendy M. Chesworth (Biff), Janey G. Hunter (Carey), Jill G. Kispert (John) and nephew Stan Markwalder, Jr (Virginia), as well as many great nieces and nephews. A sincere thank you to the staff members at Liftchford Falls Health and Rehabilitation Center and at Raleigh Hillcrest Nursing Care and Rehabilitation Center for their kind and thoughtful care. Also, a special thanks to two persons from Hayes Barton United Methodist Church in Raleigh: Mary Beth Grady who visited and made Shirley feel welcome when she first arrived in Raleigh in 2020, and to Becky Balentine for her heartfelt support in the waning hours of Shirley’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s memory to: Salem United Methodist Church 3962 Salem Rd Covington, GA 30016 A graveside memorial for Shirley will be determined at a later date.