Florine Heath Thomas

Florine Thomas, 92, of Newport News entered eternal life on November 8, 2015. She was born to the late James and Bettie Sue Heath, October 30, 1923 in Snow Hill, NC. Florine was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Bonnie Zuchowski, Alease Smith, and Thelma Spikes; brothers, Ennis and Garland Heath; her son-in-law, James Meador; her grandson-in-law, Thomas Ragans; and her husband and soul mate of 43 years, Sidney L. Thomas.

She is survived by her daughters, Jean Merrill (Tommy), Carol Meador, and Sandra Reinholdt; her sisters, Elizabeth Cunningham, Lou Heath, and Patricia Shelton (James); her grandchildren, Denise Stanfield (Brad), Kevin Sowers (Laurie), Jeffrey Meador (Terrie), Robin Ragans, Shannon Woloszynowski (Daniel), Kris Provenzano (Jerome), and Lindsey Bane (Greg); 16 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Florine and Sidney joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1951, and were members of Parkview Baptist for many years. Florine served her church in many capacities. She was the WMU Director and the head of the kitchen committee. She was a devoted member of the choir and sang every year in the Living Christmas Tree. Florine modeled her Christian faith in all she did and touched many lives. She was an exemplar of grace and dignity at every stage of her life.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Friday, November 13, 2015 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 401 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, followed with a celebration of her life at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Peninsula Memorial Park.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.