Dean Norton Thomas

Dean Norton Thomas, 99, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 23, 1927, in Sulligent, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Will Norton and Maude Norton.

After graduating from Lamar County High School, she moved to Birmingham and, on a blind date in the autumn of 1946, met a handsome young man with bright blue eyes. She married Lelias Eugene (Gene) Thomas six weeks later and they remained dedicated to one another for nearly 60 years, until his death from Alzheimer’s disease in 2006. She was also preceded in death by a son [Stephen Alan Thomas], her brother [Gray Norton], and sisters [Wynette Mixon and Jane Turman].

A beloved mother and grandmother, she taught us by example how to age gracefully. She will be remembered for her strength and resilience. She is survived by her devoted children: Dianna Carroll (John) of Denver, Colorado; Robert Thomas (Show Mei) of Meridian, Mississippi; Carol York (Larry) of Prattville, Alabama; and Molly Thomas Sanchez (Randy) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; 10 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at Wofford Cemetery in Lamar County, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer's Association or Embrace Alabama Kids.