Judith Deaton Thomas

In Loving Memory Judith “Judy” Deaton Thomas

Judith “Judy” Deaton Thomas passed away surrounded by her loved ones on March 8, 2022.    Judy was born on March 21, 1941 to parents Bernard and Frances Willet Deaton, in Siler City, North Carolina where she lived for most of her life.     Judy married her first husband Earl Hart in 1960. Together they had two children Shane and David. Sadly, Earl passed away while the boys were in their early teens.   Judy was later introduced to her husband of 38 years, Edward Loy Thomas Jr., who wooed her “out of the city” with his sense of humor and country charm. They were married November 25, 1983. Together they raised a blended family, including her sons Shane and David Hart, and Loy’s two sons, Tim and Jeremy Thomas, at their home on Pete Thomas Road. She embraced the role of wife to Loy, and mother to their respective children, providing a loving and warm environment for their family to thrive in.   Judy attended Mount Olive Baptist Church and was involved in church and community activities. She worked for many years, and retired from Chatham County Social Services.

Judy was a woman known for her kindness and southern hospitality. She enjoyed shopping, cooking for her family, traveling with her husband to NTPA events in the United States and Holland, taking cruises with family to Alaska and the Caribbean, and vacationing with friends at the beach. She was an avid reader, and loved chocolate. She was a fan of Tom Jones, enjoyed listening to gospel, and dancing to beach music. 

Judy is survived by her husband, Edward “Loy” Thomas, Jr; sons, David Hart and fiance Judy of Snow Camp, Shane Hart and wife Mary of Bear Creek, Tim Thomas and fiance Kim of Chapel Hill, and Jeremy Thomas of Pittsboro; sister, Janice D. White of Siler City, brothers, Don Deaton and wife Carol, and Doug Deaton of Siler City; grandchildren, Chris Hart and wife Courtney of Goldston, Cody Littau and husband Ty of Winner, South Dakota, Stephanie Holt and husband Kris of Bear Creek, Joshua Hart, Megan Rich and husband Aaron of Wilmington; great grandchildren, Presten, Shannon and Jeremiah Holt, Lilly Kayte and Graham Hart, Lily Littau, and Cheyenne Heines.   Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Earl Hart, and her beloved dog and friend Buddy.

Judy will be remembered dearly by her extended family, close friends, and the many people whose lives have been touched by her kindness, and hospitality.   The family will receive friends on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 12:00 - 1:45 pm at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 5043 Mt. Olive Church Road, Pittsboro, NC. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Tim Thomas officiating. The burial will be at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mt. Olive Church Cemetery Fund or to UNC Hospice.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is assisting the Thomas family.

Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com