Janet Huffer Thomas

Born on August 25, 1929, in Augusta County, Virginia, she was one of four children born to the late Reese Levi Huffer and Madge Elizabeth Mitts. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Grover Cleveland Thomas, Jr.; two brothers, Perry Jones Huffer and James Franklin Huffer; and one sister, Arlene Catherine Huffer Parker.

Following her high school graduation, Janet continued her education at Dunsmore Business College in Staunton, Virginia. In 1952, she met and married Grover, the love of her life, and together they welcomed three children. She was a longtime member of Elon Presbyterian Church.

Janet found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and planting flowers, as well as camping with family and friends. She especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren, playing yard games and creating lasting memories. She also dedicated time as a volunteer at Lynchburg General Hospital, where she worked in the gift shop. For the last three and a half years of her life, she resided at Westminster Canterbury, and she wanted to express her heartfelt gratitude for the tender and loving care she received there.

She is survived by her three children, Gary Wayne Thomas (Deborah), Renee Proffitt (Gary), and Debbi Baker (Skip Holt); six grandchildren, Reese Baker, Allison Towler (Chris), York Thomas (Kodi), Megan Ringi (Pelle), Mallory Hill (Ahmond), and Edward Duff (Katelynn); and ten great-grandchildren, Miranda, Emily, Ava, Axton, Asher, Arya, Edward, Aris, Andreas, and Ryan; and two special friends, Richard Baker of Monroe and Dwayne Duff of Madison Heights.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Dan Reichard officiating. Burial will follow at Elon Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org or Gleaning For the World at www.gleaningcharity.org.