Ellen D. Thomas

Ellen is survived by her beloved son, Banner Lee Thomas of Maitland, FL; her step-daughter, Debbie Thomas of Orlando, FL; step-son William Thomas, Jr., of New Market, AL; sister, Charlene Burkett, of Seneca, SC; and brother, Wyndell Dodgins, of Orangeburg, SC. She was especially blessed by her grandchildren Kelsie Thomas, Banner Owen Thomas, Ashley McKinney Bates, Ryan McKinney, Elizabeth Adams, William Thomas III, and Brittany Thomas Bayona; and her great-grandchildren Thomas Bates, RJ McKinney, Magnolia Adams, Everett Adams, and Sebastian Bayona. Ellen is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, William P. “Billy” Thomas; and her parents Wilson and Leotis Dodgins.

Ellen was born on February 10, 1939 in Newry, South Carolina to Wilson and Leotis Dodgins (née Brown). She grew up in rural South Carolina and graduated from Keowee High School. Ellen moved to Atlanta, GA, attended Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, and became a Registered Nurse in 1959. After graduation, Ellen ventured to south Florida with several of her nursing friends and eventually settled in Orlando in 1961. She married William P. “Billy” Thomas in 1965, whose career was in the building industry as founder of Allied Precast and part owner of the Thomas Lumber Company.

After her son was born, Ellen dedicated her life to homemaking and charitable causes. She hosted many events at her home and enjoyed cooking, sewing, painting, playing the piano, and traveling. Ellen was passionate about the mission of the Safari Club International Sables to furthering the understanding of our outdoor heritage, including the positive role of hunting, through the creation and support of wildlife and conservation educational programs. In 1993, she became the first President of the Sables. Ellen traveled the world with her husband including Canada, Mongolia, Africa, and New Zealand.

Ellen was an active and dedicated member of the Conway First Baptist Church and often volunteered for church outreach activities. She was blessed to have many friends and the Christian fellowship at Conway First Baptist Church. Ellen was also a member of the Rosalind Club.

Her family and friends will always remember Ellen as a gentle, sweet, and kind-hearted woman who they will miss dearly.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at Woodlawn Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11:00 am at Conway First Baptist Church, and Reverend Chuck Auschwitz will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ellen’s life. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank all those who gave their loving care to Ellen, especially the staff at Alabama Oaks Assisted Living, Florida Hospital, and Life Care of Altamonte Springs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Conway First Baptist Church, 4000 S. Conway Road, Orlando, FL 32812 or the Safari Club International Foundation www.safariclubfoundation.org. Also, in remembrance of Ellen, please thank a nurse for how they helped care for you.