Ada Thomas

Mrs. Ada Louise Goforth Thomas, 94, formerly of Statesville, passed away, Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Asbury Care Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. Mrs. Thomas was born August 7, 1920 in Winston-Salem, NC and was the daughter of the late Lonnie G. and Gertrude Warden Goforth. She was a graduate of Troutman High School and attended Mitchell College. She was well known in the community for her many years as Social Editor and Columnist for the Statesville Record and Landmark until her retirement in 1982. On March 23, 1940, she was married to the late James Paul Thomas, who passed away, February 19, 2003. She was a member of Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church where she served as President of the Methodist Women's Group and was honored with a life membership. She taught Sunday school for many years and served on the Pastor/Parrish Committee. She also was a delegate to the annual Conference for many years. She was a past President of the Statesville Business and Professional Women's Club and served on the State Board of Trustees for the headquarters and was honored as "Woman of the Year." She received the "Boss of the Year" award from the Metrolina Chapter, American business Women's Association in 1981. She was a member of the Noon Homemakers Association and was chosen as an honorary member of the Statesville Altrusa Club. She served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Mrs. Thomas is survived by two daughters, Kaeron Thomas Gosnell (David) of Morristown, TN, Paulette Thomas Keys (Jerry) of Statesville, one son, Barry N. Thomas of Statesville, two brothers, Hoyle Goforth of Toutman, D.W. Goforth (Caroleta) of Statesville and one sister, Doris G. Williard (T.S. Jr.) of Statesville. She is further survived by six grandchildren, David Gosnell, Jr. (Brenda), Chris Gosnell (Melissa), Tanya Davis (Keith), Brian Thomas (Mary), Bradley Thomas (Elizabeth), and Barbara J. Thomas; ten great grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and two "special grandchildren", Patty Cook Mayer and Dell Cook (Ginny). In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, L.G. Goforth, Jr. and two sisters, Ella Mae Goforth and Jeanette Goforth. Funeral services will be conducted at Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church 2:30 PM Friday, January 2, 2015 with Rev. Ron Doub and Rev. Douglas Goforth officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:30 at the church prior to the service. Active pallbearers will be David Gosnell Jr., Christopher Gosnell, Brian Thomas, Bradley Thomas, Robert Thompson Jr., and Ramon Thompson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Boulevard UMC, 1947 E. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Aldersgate UMRC, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Ada Goforth Thomas.