Flora Lee Thomas

Thomas, Flora Lee, age 93, of Knoxville, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011 at Fort Sanders Medical Center. She was a devoted wife of 67 years, a loving mother and grandmother, a musician, garden club leader, amateur pilot, tennis player, and friend to many. She was an active member of West Hills Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Ruth Lee, of Louisville, Kentucky. She is survived by her husband, Leon S. Thomas, of Knoxville; daughter, Carole Thomas Harreld (Grady) of Owensboro, Kentucky; son Bruce R. Thomas (Catherine Lee), of St. Michaels, Maryland; son Marvin L. Thomas, of Knoxville; grandchildren: Courtney Harreld of Denver, Colorado and Lindsay Harreld Cohlmeyer (Steve) of Lexington, Kentucky, along with numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Born May 16, 1918, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Marvin and Ruth Lee, she graduated from Northwestern University, College of Fine Arts, in 1940, and worked initially as Music Supervisor in Mt Clemens, Michigan. During World War II, she served as an Air Traffic Controller in Detroit, where she met her husband, Leon, a Naval Aviator. After the Navy took them to Corpus Christi, Texas, and after World War II, she and her husband made their home in Knoxville. Her musical talent led her to join the Knoxville Symphony, where she served as first flutist for 16 of her 19 years , playing concerts and in other settings, including a duet with opera luminary Roberta Peters, and a performance at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, in a duet with David Van Vactor, representing the State of Tennessee for the Bicentennial. She taught many flute and piccolo students, and was active with the Knoxville Music Club, and continued playing music into her 93rd year. She was active in the West Hills Garden Club and the Dogwood Arts Festival. She was past chair of the Knox County Council of Garden Clubs, past President of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs convention, and was a leader in the Mid-South Garden Clubs. She remained active and adventuresome well into her 90’s. As a 57 year old Grandmother, she earned her Pilot’s License, and she and her husband made numerous flights to visit the ‘kids and grandkids’, as well as a transcontinental vacation by air, from Knoxville to Seattle, San Diego, Dallas and back with numerous stops in between to visit friends and see the country. She was active into her 70’s at the Cedar Bluff Racquet Club, and was Tennessee State Doubles tennis champion in the Women’s age 70 division. She and her husband climbed Mt. LeConte at age 75, along with their sons, and enjoyed the Smokies throughout their lives together. They travelled widely, including trips to Europe, East Africa, Hong Kong, Brazil, Alaska, Hawaii, and the American West. The family will receive friends at the West Hills Baptist Church at 10:00 AM November 1st, with services to follow at 11:00. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent in her name to West Hills Baptist Church. Berry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be extended at www.berryfuneralhome.com.