JoAnn Thomas

Betty JoAnn Thomas, 86, passed away Jan 12, 2025. JoAnn was a native of Rocky Mount, NC and moved to Portsmouth, VA in 1940. JoAnn graduated from Wilson High School in 1957 and attended Tidewater Community College, Chesapeake in 1977. She began working at the DIV 5 HQ of the VA State Police, Chesapeake in 1978 and retired in 1998. JoAnn was a Military Spouse and enjoying moves to Cape May, NJ and Cheboygan, MI eventually settling in Chesapeake. Then after her retirement moving into a beloved family home her father and uncles built on the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth where she not only enjoyed the beautiful water views but watching the various wildlife especially when she could spot a bald eagle and an occasional dolphin. JoAnn loved life and all it had to offer. She loved traveling, reading, doing puzzles, playing games, gospel music, church, and attending Masonic events with her husband. She was always ready to "GO" whether it just be to Walmart or a trip with family and occasionally sneaking off to a Yard Sale to find another book, puzzle, or to her some special treasure. JoAnn loved her family and spending time with loved ones. She cherished and shared many special memories of her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and her in-laws Ernest and MaryAnn Thomas. Most of all she loved her husband of 65 years, her son and daughter who was also Blessed to be her Best Friend for 60 years, and her most special her grandson who she got to see graduate in 2022. To her family she was the Best of everything and all the Best parts of their lives. JoAnn loved God, she was a member of Christ Church EMC Chesapeake, VA, and her family is comforted by knowing she is resting peacefully with her Heavenly Father. JoAnn was predeceased by her parents Hazel and John Winters of Portsmouth. She is survived by her husband HMCS Richard "Dick" Thomas, Ret. USCG; son John Thomas; daughter Sheri Lynn Scott; and grandson Briley Scott all of Portsmouth. A graveside service will be held at 2PM on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens in Suffolk with Rev. Tony Meads officiating. The family suggest memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Christ Church EMC P.O. Box 9617 Chesapeake VA 23321.

JoAnn Thomas

January 12, 2025