Obituary for Carolyn Brooks Thomas Keyser
Carolyn Brooks Thomas Keyser, 97, of Pulaski, VA and formerly of Blacksburg, VA, on September 6, 2019, peacefully passed at the Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center, Pulaski, VA. She was pre-deceased by her loving husbands, Howard Adams Thomas, who died in 1982, and William Keyser, who died in 1989.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Carol Thomas Hancock (Gary) of Pulaski, Virginia, and her son, Howard “Tommy” Thomas of Micanopy, Florida and Harrisonburg, Virginia, two grandsons, Matthew Hancock (Dorsey) of Brooklyn, New York and Andrew Thomas, a student at Duke University; one great grandson, Lucca Bowie Hancock-Massey of Brooklyn, New York. Carolyn will also be remembered by her loving sister, Ruth Muir, Iowa City, Iowa and her brother Dr. Dana Brooks (Dot) of Pennsylvania and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Born November 9, 1921, Carolyn was a long-time resident of the Northern Virginia area, having grown up in Falls Church, received a teaching degree from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. During WWII, Carolyn taught at Swanson Middle School in Westover, Virginia. Later Carolyn was one of the first ESL teachers in Fairfax County. Her passion for genealogical research took her on many travels. Carolyn was a long-time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the National Society of Magna Carta Dames, the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Woman’s Club of Falls Church. She was also a member of the Falls Church Presbyterian Church in Falls Church, Virginia, where she served as a deacon. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Carolyn began playing bridge as a teenager and continued to play throughout her lifetime, enjoying the company of many wonderful friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry in Pulaski, Virginia.
Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski, VA.
September 9, 2019 @ 6:03 pm
Carol, Gary, Matt, and family. I so enjoyed getting to know your mom when she and Thelma were at Wheatland Hills. Both dressed so elegantly in their blouses, skirts and sweaters, and always hose and pumps, plus a jeweled pin on the collar. Her sweet smile and friendly conversation were so welcoming. You and yours are in my heart and prayers as you navigate your loss. May you be blessed by family, friends, and your strong faith. Love, Mary Beth
November 26, 2020 @ 1:53 am
Mrs Thomas was my teacher at Swanson Junior High in Arlington. She was always so kind but also an excellent teacher who took no nonsense.