Dorothy Thomas

I was born Dorothy Marie (affectionally known as Ree) Ditaway on November 20, 1952, in Newbern, Alabama to Carrie Marie Ditaway and Luke Jackson. My maternal grandparents Fannie Belle and Richard Allen Ditaway raised me alongside my cousins Diane (Ditaway) (Edwin) Williams, and Shellie (Ditaway) Carter. I loved playing baseball, outdoors activities, and driving fast. After graduating from West Side High School, I began the Ohio chapter of my life with my mother and stepfather Braddie Hayden, sister Margaret(Ditaway) Ware and brother Joseph (Yvonne) Holifield.

While working at Thermo-Disc my friend Joyce Paige introduced me to her cousin. That’s how I met the love of my life, Eddie Benjamin Thomas Sr. We have been married for 51 beautiful years and have two wonderful children, Desiree Thomas and Eddie Benjamin (Traci) Thomas Jr. Our granddaughter, Kaylin Marie Thomas, grandson Eddie Benjamin Thomas III, and a bonus granddaughter Tamesha Carter from my cousin Shellie, brought me great joy.

Our home was always the destination for family gatherings and competitive card games. I had a gift for connecting with people and making everyone feel like family. My husband and I loved to travel and took our last trip this year. I could do anything I sent my mind too and had multiple careers. I got to positively impact the lives of kids first as a girl scout troop leader, and then as a bus driver for Mansfield City Schools.

My faith was important to me. I accepted Christ at an early age at Reynolds Chapel AME in Newbern, Alabama and was a dedicated member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. I was on the deaconess board, Committed Women for Christ, and the Feed the Hungry program. My husband and I led the couple's ministry at church. I leave to cherish my memory my Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, California, North Carolina, and Indiana family along with a host of dear friends. I had a good life and lived it to the fullest.

Hugs and Kisses

Dorothy Marie Thomas