Luella Newlin Thomas

Luella Newlin Thomas, 94, of 1215 Van Thomas Road, Pittsboro died Thursday, October 15, 2015. She was born December 27, 1920, the daughter of the late David H. Newlin and Lizzie T. Newlin. In her younger days Luella worked in the textile industry until she met and married her husband, Van Thomas, who predeceased her. For a few years she worked as a bookkeeper for Van's contracting business, but soon settled into her life as a homemaker, enjoying gardening, canning and taking care of her children. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, but was raised in the Quaker church and lived a life that reflected that upbringing. She was a quintessential soul who rarely complained, helped anyone in need, and once insisted that she finish baking a pie for her family before being taken to the hospital for a heart attack. She had a gentle sense of humor. Survivors include son, Phillip Thomas of the home; Joseph Thomas and wife Gail of Pittsboro; daughters, Sue Vestal of Siler City; Nancy Thomas and husband Tom Shupp of New Gloucester, ME and Siler City; grandchildren, Laura Thomas, Katie Vestal and fiancé C. W. White; great-grandchild Ari. Luella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Rudolph Newlin, Wade Newlin, Dayton Newlin, Delmas Newlin, and Charlie Newlin; sisters, Ethellene Newlin and Orpha Seifert. The family wishes to thank her caregivers Sarah Tucker, Joy Whitt, Barbara Teague, and Betty Brewer. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2015, at Smith & Buckner Funeral Home in Siler City. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 5043 Mt. Olive Church Rd, Pittsboro, NC Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist church or other charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.