Emma Jean Thomas passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024 among family.

She was born on July 31, 1929, to Mary Agnes and George Houston Simpson in South Charleston, WV where she lived her life. After graduating from Morris Harvey College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in Physical Education she earned her Master of Science degree in 1953 from WVU and began her teaching career which spanned 40 years at her Alma Mater (Morris Harvey/UC) and Kanawha County Schools.

In 1956 Emma married James A. Thomas Jr. “Jim”. They had 3 children. Before Jim passed away in 2002, they enjoyed traveling, gardening and the performing arts. Emma herself enjoyed golfing and baking. She was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of South Charleston. She will be missed by many. Emma is survived by her children,  Jean Alexana Thomas, James A. Thomas III and Mary Honor Thomas, Mary Poff (nee Thomas) and Robert Scott Poff; grandchildren, Daisy Caroline Thomas, James A. Thomas IV and Robert Joseph Poff.

A memorial service to Honor the Life of Emma will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at First United Methodist Church of South Charleston with Rev. Paula Napier and Rev. Dave Biondi officiating. Family and friends will gather at 12:00pm until service time. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, Emma requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.