Mary "Jeannette" Thomas

Mary “Jeannette” Thomas, age 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Quinton Thomas. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Clarence and Bonnie Jones; a sister, Ruth Merrill; two brothers, Don and Mack Jones, and a son-in-law, Mike Arnold.

Billie Solesbee was a special friend to Jeannette. They were more like sisters, having been friends for many years. Billie predeceased Jeannette by only a few months.

Surviving to remember Jeannette are two daughters, Diane Arnold of Snellville, GA and Sheila Miller (Gary) of Asheville; 4 grandchildren, Chris (Holly), Kelly (Wes), McKenzie (Jonathan), and Landon (Cheyenne). In addition, six great-grandchildren highly enhanced her life; Dylan, Madison, Claire, Tyson, Grant and Layton. She is also survived by a sister, Helen Rice and a brother, Jimmy Jones (Janet) and sister-in-laws, Shirley Jones and Betty Thomas; and many wonderful nieces and nephews remain to cherish her memory.

Jeannette’s first job was in the office at Sayles Biltmore Bleacheries. When her children were young, she was fortunate to be able to stay home with them. Later in life she spent 10 years as a teacher assistant at Oakley Elementary School. Realizing she was older, the students called her Nana, Grandma, etc. She loved the children and they loved her. Nothing delighted her more than to see them as adults and catch up on their lives.

Cooking for people was one of Jeannette’s passions. Others can vouch that she made the best potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and Red Velvet Cake. It was not unusual for folks to call and ask for her recipes. Until the end, she loved to raise beautiful flowers. They brought a sense of happiness to her.

She was a lifetime member of Oakley Baptist Church where she taught Bible School for many years. One of the Bible School pictures proudly made its way into a book about Asheville.

Jeannette will be remembered as a sweet person that loved her family so much. That love was reciprocated.

Jeannette will lie in repose for others to say their goodbyes from Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, 2025 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

She will be buried with her husband in the NC State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC. A memorial service will be held in the spring.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Oakley Baptist Church, 70 Fairview Avenue, Asheville, NC 28803.

Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.