Shirley Lorraine Thomas' Obituary
Shirley Lorraine Thomas was born on March 6, 1952 to the late Lewis E. Thomas and Doris L. Pickford Thomas. Shirley was the eldest of eight children to this union. Upon graduation from high school and college, Shirley went on to serve in the U.S. Military serving in the Air Force, US Navy (most of her career) and completing her service in the US Army in Iraq. In her tenure she also served in Bahrain, Germany among other places and retired as a decorated Lieutenant Colonel receiving numerous medals and awards for her dedication and service.
Shirley was also an Educator with the Department of Defense and enjoyed teaching. Shirley was passionate about cooking and golfing so she took classes in both and excelled at them. She was a perfectionist in her baking skills and if you had the pleasure of tasting her cooking you always made yourself available as her taster. A huge feast with family was always extra special. Shirley travelled the world, sharing art work, customs and traditions with her family and friends. The world for Shirley was one to be explored and enjoyed making friends everywhere and anyone would tell you the kindness she displayed with ease. She loved football, cheering for her brother who played in the NFL and her California teams. One of Shirley’s favorite past times was watching Turner Classic movies, the dramas of Perry Mason and Matlock.
Shirley maintained a strong faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and leaned on His divine guidance for direction in her life.
She is survived by sisters Martha Manning of Florida, Rosalin Thomas, Maria Thomas, Pamela Tuddle (Luther) of California, and Patricia Keys (Lee) of Georgia; her brothers Lewis Thomas of California, Greggory Thomas of Georgia and Eric Thomas of Ohio. She also has a host of loving nieces and nephews who adored her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Shirley's memory to The Annapolis Veteran Center, location/donation 235, by visiting www.va.gov.
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