Virgina Lee Thomas

Virginia Lee Thomas of Chapel Hill passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Clayton, NC, surrounded by her family at the age of 95. Born on February 5, 1931, in Mt. Airy NC, she grew up in a large farming family. On March 13, 1954, she married the love of her life, John R. Thomas Jr. and moved to Chapel Hill, NC. Soon after moving to Chapel Hill, she began working for the NC Forestry Service as a Fire Tower Operator located at the summit of Occoneechee Mountain in Hillsborough, NC. During fire season, it was not uncommon for her to work 7 days a week keeping a lookout for smoke from wildfires, keeping the community safe. She worked on the tower until her retirement in 1976.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Susan Sinclair (Russell) of Clayton, NC, her grandchildren, Crystal Walker (Eddie) of Chapel Hill, Toni Little (Mark) of Swansboro NC and her great-grandchildren, Tyler Walker (Corey), Brennan Little, and Shelby Walker.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, multiple brothers, and sisters, with her being the last one and her beloved parents. They are all together now!

Though she is no longer with us, the memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. We will miss you dearly mama and nanny!