Marsha Ray Thomas

For the first time in her life, Marsha Ray Thomas listened to the calls from loved ones to sit down and rest. She was 84 at her death on May 13, 2025. A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, Marsha was never alone. In her final days, family and friends shuffled to her bedside for a final laugh, memory stirred, or piece of advice.

Marsha met the love of her life, Ronnie Thomas, in 1960, and married in 1963. The pair were inseparable through their 49 years of marriage, from their many dances together, time on the lake, bowling championships, to their trips to Daytona Beach. A famously special bond that inspired those around them, their devotion is best described through the simple signals of love that they never lost — Ronnie and Marsha always held hands. Their bond has not, and never will be, broken. A caregiver who showed love through action, Marsha fought for Ronnie through his battle with Lewy Body Dementia until his death in 2013. Her favorite picture of her life’s true love watched over her on her bedside table, as it had since his death, as she passed.

Born in Transylvania County in 1940, the third of five Hamlin children, Marsha grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. She worked for Wachovia Bank in downtown Asheville for over 20 years and was a devoted member of St. George’s Episcopal Church for over 50 years. A true Appalachian woman, Marsha ensured her two children and three grandchildren — all of whom she helped raise — were always filled with sweet tea and tomatoes from her garden, which she maintained religiously. Always covered in dirt, grass and sweat, Marsha was filled with an endless energy — and refusal to admit she was tired — that rubbed off on all those around her.

This endless energy led her to live a beautiful life, one where she danced, traveled, played tennis, made and loved countless friends and built a family that will forever be impacted by the many seeds she planted and boundless work she dedicated to ensuring they thrived. She was the glue that kept everyone connected — calling often, sending cards with the perfect note, and never missing a chance to check in with a thoughtful text. Her warmth extended far beyond her own household; she would help anyone who needed it, always ready to feed a neighbor, comfort a friend, or show up for family with open arms and an open heart.

Marsha spent her final years living alongside her sister, Mollie Johnson, after the deaths of their husbands — an unshakable foundation of sisterhood and friendship. Whether watching ‘Jeopardy!’ and Hallmark movies, hosting family gatherings, grabbing a cone at Tastee Freeze, or enjoying the grandkids, the pair shared much love and laughter.

A caregiver through and through, Marsha was there for her family and friends, shepherding many family members through the beginning and ending stages of their lives. Through a lifetime full of love both given and received, Marsha Thomas was never alone. She gave so much of herself, and we will carry her with us always.

Marsha is survived by her children, Katherine Alice Thomas (Anne) and Mark Thomas (Melissa Ackert); grandchildren, Zachary Crain, Connor Crain and Madison Thomas; sisters, Joan Davey and Mollie Johnson; brothers, Joseph Hamlin (Sally) and Ken Hamlin (Patty); nieces, Pat Johnson and Sandra Jaquette, as well other cousins, nieces and nephews she loved so much.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Brigadoon Club House, Heather Way, Candler from 1 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday June 7th.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in her name to the WNC Bridge Foundation, https://www.wncbridge.org/

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.