Evelyn C. Thomas, age 93, former resident of Mansfield, entered heaven to be with her Lord on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
She was born on July 21, 1930, in Mansfield, Ohio, to parents John and Florence (Secrist) Woodruff. After she graduated from Bellville High School in 1948, Evelyn went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Religious Music from the Cleveland Bible College (Malone) in 1953, then a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from The Ohio State University in 1961, and finally her Associate Degree in Applied Business from North Central Technical College (NCSC) in 1979.
On July 28, 1951, Evelyn married Raymond Grams. The union blessed them with two daughters, Cynthia Kaye and Sandra Rae. In 1972, Evelyn married Kenneth Thomas of Lexington, and shared 45 years of marriage until his passing in 2017.
With her extensive education, Evelyn taught music at Hudson High School for 12 years and 4 years at Lexington High School. Her venture into data programming began with ITT Research Center in Delaware, Ohio, until their office moved to North Carolina in 1986. Evelyn then worked for local companies, including Hartman Electric and Therm-O-Disc, before returning to substitute teach in Richland County Public Schools until her retirement in 2013.
As a talented musician, Evelyn arranged music, accompanied local quartets and vocalists, taught voice, instrumental music, and piano, and sang with Sweet Adelines. Her ministry through music touched countless lives.
Evelyn was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who loved music, painting, gardening, baking, bird watching, hiking and cheering for the Buckeyes. She was always present to lend a hand, provide Christian guidance, support projects, and offer encouragement. Throughout her life, as a woman of faith, Evelyn always served joyfully wherever her church membership was held. Evelyn was also a talented and accomplished artist with pencil, pastels, oils, and acrylics.
In retirement, Evelyn earned the family nickname of “Energizer Bunny” as she persisted with numerous activities including cycling, cross-country skiing and reading. She made Bible study and daily devotions a priority, and her ability to recall memorized scripture was immense. Evelyn continued to sing and play piano through her 93rd year; sharing daily life with her daughter Sandi, her son-in-law Bob, their children and grandchildren. She lived out her faith by praising God daily in thought, word, and deed. Evelyn lives on in the kindness, comfort, love and joy she brought to life.
She is survived by her two loving daughters, Cynthia (James) Horine of Vista, California; Sandra (Robert) McDaniel of Galena, Ohio; five grandchildren, Traci McDaniel, Lori (Michael) Freeney, Ray McDaniel, Matthew (Katie) McDaniel, Caitlin (Kurby Schneider) Horine, four great-grandchildren, Roman, Olivia, James, Reagan, and grandpup Rocket.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Thomas, and son-in-law Robert “Bob” McDaniel.
The family will be honoring Evelyn’s life with private services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the non-profit organization Bed Brigade, at www.BedBrigade.org. This non-profit serves people in need of a personal, safe place to rest.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Evelyn’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville Butler Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com