Carol Ward Thomas

Mrs. Carol Ward Thomas, 81, of Springfield, VA, died on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at Arden Courts of Annandale. She is perhaps best known for her service later in life as an Arlington Lady and regular mourner at Arlington Cemetery, where she befriended and consoled many grieving persons, particularly in Section 60, beginning in 1999 when her beloved husband Ralph Thomas was buried there, through late 2014 when failing health curtailed her visits.

Born October 21, 1934 in Salisbury, NC, she was the daughter of the late Jane Crawford Ward and Charles O. Ward. She received her education in the Salisbury schools, Frank B. John Elementary and Boyden High School, and graduated with an associate's degree from UNC Woman's College in Greensboro, where she later received the Women of Distinction Award for her work at Arlington Cemetery. She lived much of her life in Springfield, VA, but also lived in Nags Head, NC where she earned the moniker of Beach Mama to her grandchildren. A card-carrying member of the Democratic Party, she was a proud Tar Heel, tennis enthusiast, lover of Big Bands, founding member of her high school circle the Subs, emeritus chair of the welcoming committee at her church, and enjoyed contacting the heads of companies to commend the service of helpful employees.

Survivors include two sons, Ward L. Thomas of Vienna, VA, and Bryant H. Thomas of Springfield, VA, granddaughter Katelyn Thomas, and grandsons Glen Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Samuel Thomas, and Charles Thomas.

A visitation will take place 7-9 PM on Friday, Nov. 13, at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA. A funeral will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Nov. 14, at First Baptist Church of Washington, DC, 1328 16th St NW, Washington, DC, followed by a reception noon-3 PM at Springfield Golf & Country Club, 8301 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to send a gift to Capital Caring Hospice.