Margaret Ann Thomas

Margaret Ann Thomas, 88, gently passed away on Thursday, December 13, at Greenspring Village, Springfield, Virginia. Born to Ruth Posey Thomas and Eddie Glassel Thomas in Alexandria, Virginia, she spent nearly all of her life in Del Ray.

Upon graduation from George Washington High School, Margaret began a career with the American Red Cross . Her first position entailed providing resource information to the armed services to assist the troops during WW II. She was also one of 6,500 Alexandria Red Cross volunteers who gave more than 63,000 hours of service in support of the war effort. In later years, as Information Specialist, Margaret was an editor and librarian for the Red Cross Eastern Area, which became known as the Eastern Operations Headquarters. She retired from the Red Cross after 46 years but continued to volunteer for another 14 years, and received recognition for 60 years of service.

For a number of years, Margaret volunteered her time to assist several elderly friends. She was also a long-time companion to and caregiver of her mother. In addition to her post-retirement Red Cross volunteer work with the Convention Office, Margaret also volunteered for Meals on Wheels where she was later responsible for setting up delivery schedules.

Margaret was an active member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and its choir for many years. She was dedicated to living her faith and her belief in Christ’s teachings every day. She loved God; being with her family and friends; the outdoors; long walks; sunrises and sunsets; roses; ballroom dancing; laughter; and, whenever the opportunity came up, traveling.

Her parents and her sister, Mildred Thomas Jackson, preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Norman E. Thomas of Denton, Texas; four nieces in Texas, Arkansas, and Montana; a nephew in Virginia; and many great nieces and nephews. Margaret will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She walks with the Lord now and is at peace.

A visitation and service are planned for Tuesday, December 18, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA. Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at National Memorial Park, Falls Church, VA. Those wishing to make a contribution in Margaret’s memory in lieu of flowers may do so by contacting their local American Red Cross.