Ruth Marshall Thomas

Ruth Marshall Thomas of Wilmington died peacefully Friday at New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a long illness. A retired interior decorator, she joined Calvary Baptist Church in 1951 and taught Sunday School there for over 50 years. Her loyal Sunday school class, which originally had 30 members, has remained together and now has four remaining members and close friends Flossie Clemmons, Mary Moore, Ennis Clark, and Lorraine Spivey. Born in Mount Airy to the late Samuel L. and Lola York Marshall, she was preceded in death by her husband Len Thomas, sister Rachel Taylor, and granddaughter Crystal Barber. She is survived by daughter Betty Barber of Carthage and her sons Donnie Barber of Goldston and Trent Barber of Carthage and his daughter Heather Jones and great-great-granddaughter McKenna Tancini of Atlanta, GA; daughter Shirley Leonard of Orlando, FL, and her daughter Michelle Manning and husband Kris Petersen of Wilmington; son Mackie Sellers and wife Jacqueline and their daughter Samantha of Longwood. FL, as well his son David Sellers and daughter Lauren Rodrigues of Dallas, TX; and son Ronald Sellers and wife Olga of Wilmington and their son Steven, as well as his son Paul Sellers and Terra Thompson and great-great grandson Lucius of Myrtle Beach. She is also survived by her sister Runell Michael of Orlando, FL; four nephews and two nieces, as well as over six great and great-great nieces and nephews. Pall bearers include Scotty Taylor, Donnie Barber, Trent Barber, David Sellers, Paul Sellers, and Kris Petersen. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 2 at Calvary Baptist Church, followed by a short graveside service at the family plot in the Belleview Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Andrews Mortuary 1617 Market Street.