Reba Swann Thomas

Reba Swann Thomas, 96, of Williamsburg, VA passed away on November 7, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, George Edwin Thomas; parents, Answer and Marie Swann; brothers, Adolph Herbert Swann and Answer Noel Swann Jr.; and sisters, Eileen Swann Bartron and Seltine Swann Moore.

Reba was born on March 13, 1929 in Heathsville, VA. She graduated from Northumberland High School, and later worked for the State of Virginia as Secretary of the Northumberland Country School Board Office. Reba lived in Bundick, VA from 1955 to 2004 before moving to Williamsburg, VA in 2004.

She was dedicated to her Christian service, helping others however she could. Reba loved being involved in her church, and was one of the founding members that started the Grace Chapel Church, now known as the Northern Neck Baptist Church in Callao, VA and Victory Baptist Church in Warsaw, VA. She was also an active member at Maranatha Baptist Church in Yorktown, VA. Along with singing in the church choir, Reba served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Reba enjoyed driving school buses, sewing, and knitting sweaters for graduating high school seniors on her bus route and in her church. When she left the area, she gave away all the knit items she had left to members of her church. In the winter, she ice skated on the ponds at nearby farms. Reba loved to make cakes, pies, and her zucchini pickles, which she would eat with the hard crabs she cooked. In her final years, she read books.

Reba is survived by her daughter, Armelia Ann Thomas; grandchild, John Nathaniel Hermann (Cindy Palmer Hermann); great-grandchildren, Troy Palmer (Tiia), Devin Palmer (Taylor), and Alexander Hermann; great-great-granddaughter, Addy; and siblings, Patricia Green and Thurston Swann.

A graveside service will be held at the Melrose Methodist Church, 1317 Lewisetta Road, Lottsburg, VA at a later date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Reba’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), 358 McLaws Circle, Suite 1, Williamsburg, VA. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.