Lena Harmon Thomas

Lena Harmon Thomas, a native and former residence of Watauga County and a longtime resident of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2024 following a brief illness.

Lena was predeceased by her husband of 57 years Bobby, and her son Todd. She is survived by her oldest son Mike, his wife Debi, daughter in law Brenda, two brothers, Garland Harmon Pigeon Forge,   and Alvin Harmon of Concord;   three sisters, Edith Gryder and husband, Roy, Ruby Miller, and Janice Tolbert and husband, Don, all of Blowing Rock; two grandchildren, Chet Thomas and Sierra Thomas;  and four great-grandchildren. She was the matriarch of a large extended family that loved her dearly.

In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Herb, Melvin and Wayne Harmon; and her parents, Goulder Carroll and Ora Mae Bolick Harmon.

Lena was born in 1930 in Caldwell County.   She attended Appalachian State Teachers College, where she was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority and then graduating with a teaching degree which began her long career in education. She taught school at Happy Valley Elementary School in Patterson, NC, and in Ft Myers and West Palm, Florida before settling in Tallahassee where she retired as principal of Gilchrest Elementary School. Up until just a few years ago, she attended the retired educator’s luncheon yearly with so many of her colleagues.

Lena was also a longtime member of her church, in Tallahassee, Immanuel Baptist Church, and enjoyed teaching the seniors Ladies Sunday Class for several years.  She loved her church community and it kept her active up to her final days.

Funeral services for Lena Harmon Thomas will be conducted Saturday morning, January 4, 2025, at 11 o’clock at Baileys Camp Baptist Church, 9195 Blackberry Road, Lenoir.  Rev. Daniel Featherstone will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 o’clock, prior to services, at the Church.  Graveside services will follow at the Baileys Camp Baptist Church Cemetery.

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