Margaret "Granny" Thomas

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we announce the passing of Nora Margaret Payne Thomas on Monday, September 21, 2026. We are deeply thankful for her blessed life of 86 years. 

 Margaret was born on April 16, 1940, in Haywood County to the late Dewey Burnette and the late Femmie Payne Burnette.  Margaret had a good and kind heart and was always caring about others. She was lovingly called “Granny” by her family and friends, and her memory will remain in their hearts forever. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  

 During her working years, Margaret was employed at the Canton Nursing Home and Silver Bluff Village, and she had also been employed by the Canton Laundry.  She loved her family with all her heart and soul, and she was indeed a dedicated homemaker- always taking care of her loved ones. Margaret enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, and when she was not able to be at her home, she often worried about her flower garden and always wanted to make certain that her family was taking care of her flowers.

Margaret was a lady of strong faith, and she read her Bible every day. What a wonderful example for us each to follow. We shall miss her deeply every day.

We know that on this day, Margaret is in her glorious heavenly home with her Lord and Savior.  

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Mitchell Thomas; her sons, Steven and Michael; a daughter, Gail Burnette; a grandson, Brian Burnette; her sisters, Elizabeth and Barbara; and a brother, Charles.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jimmy Thomas; a grandson, Anthony Thomas; a granddaughter, Deanna Thomas; a great-granddaughter, Gabriel; a great-grandson, Jacob;  a brother, Vane; and several nieces and nephews and many other extended family members.

A funeral service to honor the life of Mrs. Thomas will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be in Center Pigeon Baptist Church Cemetery.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Thomas family.