Elizabeth "Betsy" Perdue Thomas
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Elizabeth "Betsy" Perdue Thomas, 87, passed away December 22, 2022 at her home surrounded by family.
Betsy was born January 10, 1935 in Bluefield, Virginia to Ruth and Bernard Perdue. She is a graduate of Graham High School, Bluefield, Virginia where she played cymbals as part of the Drum and Bugle Corps for the Graham High Marching Band, which was highlighted by participation in the 1951 Orange Bowl in Miami, FL. She then studied X-ray technology at Danville Memorial Hospital then moved to Roanoke, Virginia where she raised a family. After her children were older, she worked in retail cosmetics before transitioning to banking where she led a Collections group, a job at which she was very adept.
Betsy enjoyed spending her leisure time listening to music, attending local dances, and playing bridge, which she frequently enjoyed in her later years on the internet. In addition, some of her favorite times were spent traveling with their special Virginia friends to the gulf coast and elsewhere. She will always be remembered by friends and family as the consummate hostess, offering a beautiful feast and striving to ensure all were comfortable.
In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her sister, Sarah Jane Matthews and son, Thomas (Tom) Thomas. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Joseph (Joe) Benjamin Thomas; son, Joseph Benjamin Thomas, Jr.; daughter, Margaret Allison Lowry (Roger); granddaughter, Sally Elizabeth King (Trey); step-grandchildren, Nicholas vanWeele (Hannah) and Ashlee Sharpe; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a local charity, shelter, or food pantry in her memory.