Obituaries

Carolyn L. Aldrich Thomas, 77

January 17, 1938 - August 22, 2015

Late Saturday evening, on August 22, 2015, Carolyn L. Aldrich Thomas “affectionately called “GG” by the grandchildren transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life.

Born in Chesterfield County, South Carolina on January 17,1938 to the late Jim and Geneva Hammond. Carolyn was the loving wife of Pastor James W. Thomas and would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on August 30th.

Carolyn matriculated through the public schools of Chesterfield County, SC, having graduated from Pine Forrest High School , McBee, SC. Shortly after graduating high school she married the love of her life and followed her heart to Lancaster, Pa. She then enrolled in the Willow Street Vo-Tech Nursing Program and graduated in 1978 as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her nursing career began at the Lancaster General Hospital and spanned for well over forty years.

She explored other healthcare opportunities at Lancashire Hall and Manor Care ( formerly White Hall), however her true love of nursing and caregiving was found to be in private duty nursing. Many of her clientele were loved ones of prominent Lancaster County families which included but were not limited to the Mack, Bare, Moyer, Snyder,Gerhart, Beuter,and Esther families. She shared a special bond with one of her patient’s who affectionately called Carolyn her “adopted daughter” and in turn the family referred to Mrs. Esther’s as “Nanny Esther’s “ whom she received into her own home and cared for her until her passing.

Carolyn was a life-long member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and she loved and adored her church family. Her Christian duties included but we’re not limited to Director of the children’s choir and faithful usher.

She leaves to cherish her memory a loving and devoted husband, one son, Jeffrey Hammond ( Laureen); three daughters, Vanessa D. Preston (Dean), Dietra, and Karen Thomas (Frank); nine grandchildren: Quincy and Sheneil Hammond; Corey and Jonathan Robinson; Tiffiny Gilmore; Brandie Preston; Octavia Hayden (Jorge), Danesha Butler and Donte Walker; nine great-grandchildren; five sisters: Frances Matthews(Norman)of Silver Springs, Marg Hammond(Greg)and Dorothy Scott, of McBee, SC, Kathy Charles of Georgia, and Janice Johnson(Champion) of Germany; one brother, Jack Hammond (Barbara)of Bethune, SC; three sisters- in – law ( Rosa Mae, Doris, and Carrie Mae), three brothers- in – law ( Rufus, Lavern and Randy), a godson Aldwin and a host of nieces , nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. Two sisters, Mary and Janet and a son, James Terry preceded her in death.

The pride and joy moments in her last days came from spending quality time with her great-grandsons: Zion, Dashawn, Devin and De’von; the breakfast club and her sister friends: Rebecca, Rosetta,Carolyn and Martha.

Homegoing services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 701 N. Lime St., Lancaster, PA 17602 with Rev. Roland Forbes officiating. Family and friends will be received from 6 to 9 PM on Friday, August 28, 2015 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King St, Lancaster and again one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Carolyn L. Thomas Nursing and Health Sciences Scholarship Fund, C/O the EBC Education Committee, 701 N. Lime St, Lancaster, PA 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

August 28, 2015

To the family of Mrs.Carolyn Thomas,
in the memory of her warm smile and kind words of encouragement, I will forever be thankful for my Christian experience as a former member of Ebenezer Baptist church as a neighboring resident, having been an admirer of her professionalism ,caring spirit, having lead me to that church family, where the spiritual growth in my time of need,assured a fellowship beyond anyone’s Imagination. To her husband, Mr.Thomas, rest assured and of good courage, knowing as we believers in God’s promises and his resolve.awaiting in eternity, that Joy shall be renewed. And to the remaining family members, affiliated representation assured that I am present. Sincerely a Brother in Christ. Howard Cross

August 27, 2015

“My God-I am truly heart-broken” Mr. Pee-Wee, as you are fondly known to our family, Vanessa, Dee-Dee, Karen, and your entire family; we send our condolences in the loss of Ms. Carolyn. Please know that Ms. Carolyn was truly a jewel and we all will miss her. God Bless You All!
With Love, Arlene Hudson-Traore & The Weeks/Hudson Family.

August 26, 2015

James & Family,
My deepest condolences to all on your loss. I have fond memories of Carolyn and her contagious smile. Prayers for peace and comfort as you mourn your loss.
Sincerely,
Barbara Stewart Dorsey

August 26, 2015

I loved Miss Carolyn most of my life. She looked out for me even when I didn’t know it. I last spoke to her a short time ago. She called me to see how I was holding up after losing both my parents in 2014. She ministered to me during both their homegoing services. That’s the way she was. To Rev. Thomas and Family, thank you for sharing her with us. I’d like to remember her this way:
“I Did Not Die”
Do not stand at my grave and forever weep. I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn’s rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and forever cry. I am not there. I did not die.
Author: Mary Frye
Sincere condolences,
“Gloryjean” (Gloria Roberson Smith)

August 26, 2015

Dee Dee and Vanessa,

So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Thinking about you both and sending my hugs and prayers that the Lord will get you through this difficult time.

Cheryl (Tracy) Waughtel

August 25, 2015

Rev. Thomas and Family, Carolyn epitomized the true “Christian Spirit.” She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences for your loss. Elizabeth Ford

August 25, 2015

Jim,
I was saddened to learn about the passing of your wife. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Barry Solodky

August 25, 2015

To Pastor James W. Thomas, Jeffrey Hammond ( Laureen); three daughters, Vanessa D. Preston (Dean), Dietra, and Karen Thomas (Frank) My Condolences to you all. I Really Loved this Lady A Heart of Gold

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. From Lowie

August 25, 2015

To the entire Thomas family, we give to you our deepest sympathy. What a wonderful women she was. May God be with you all at this difficult time.

Bruce and Lisa Butler

August 25, 2015

TO THE FAMILY YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCE. MIS CAROLYN WAS A GREAT PERSON I NEW HER SCENCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL.I SPEND MOST OF MY .TIME AT HER HOME WITH HER DAUGHTERS SHE TREATED ME AS HER OWN SHE WAS LIKE MY OTHER MOTHER.WORDS CANT EXPRESS HOW I FEEL.WE HAD A JOKE THAT I WILL HOLD ON TO.YOU REST NOW YOUR ARE AT PEACE WITH THE LORD.AND I WIL SEE YOU AGAIN. I LOVE YOU MIS CAROLYN

August 25, 2015

B I U

August 25, 2015

I did not know her but she sounds like an angel and incredible example of love. Your family must be so proud of her goodness. I am sorry for the ache of missing her but you will see her again some day.
Diane Gamber

Visitation: Friday, August 28, 2015; 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 414 East King Street; Lancaster, PA 17602
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Visitation: Saturday, August 29, 2015; 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM; Ebenezer Baptist Church; 701 N. Lime St.; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Saturday, August 29, 2015; 11:00 AM; Ebenezer Baptist Church; 701 N. Lime St.; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >