Zoro Beatrice "Zoro Bel" Thomas

Canton – Zoro Beatrice “Zoro Bel” Thomas, age 90, a lady greatly loved and a lady who has been an inspiration to everyone blessed to know her, passed away at her home surrounded by her loved ones on Friday, July 15, 2022.

Zoro was born August 29, 1931 in Swain County and had made her home in Haywood County most of her life. She had been employed in the payroll accounting department with BASF Corporation in Candler where she retired with many years of dedicated service. In remembering Zoro we think of her tending her garden and caring for her lovely flowers, and her gracious heart of always making everyone feel welcome to her home. She was an amazing cook and always made certain that her table was filled with an abundance of food that she shared with everyone. Her delicious homemade yeast rolls were everyone’s favorite and were unmatchable – they were the best ever! Zoro recognized the importance in being active throughout her life. For six days throughout the week, she could be seen taking her brisk 3-mile walk, and she always rested on the Sabbath day. Zoro witnessed a strong testimony of her faith and the Lord’s Plan of salvation, serving faithfully as a member of the Church of God and Prophecy in Canton where she was a member of the church choir and had served as the church secretary until just recently. We shall forever cherish the precious memories that we each hold of Ms. Thomas. Her immeasurable love for her family, her strong faith, and her willingness to give of herself to help others will forever be her legacy. People often say you can’t take things with you when you leave this earth. Ms. Thomas had her own version of this sentiment, “The only things we can take with us to heaven are the things we have given away - the good deeds, the kindness, the love, and the compassion that we have given to others.” We give thanks for the life of Zoro Beatrice Thomas and we celebrate her homegoing on this day.

Zoro was preceded in death by her mother, Carrie Lula Thomas; her daughter, Deborah Irene Jackson; her son, Derek Thomas; and two grandchildren, Lisa and Chaunvey; a sister, Mildred Beckwith; brothers, Preston Eugene Thomas, Isadore Thomas, Weaver C. Johnson, and Buell Thomas.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Stanley O. Thomas; grandchildren, Lynn, LaShawn, Dawn, and Brandie; great-grandchildren, Dominie, Joshua, Preston, Amera, Destinee, Terrance, Aaliyah, Kamiya, and Sophie; great-great-grandchildren, Symphony, Anna Grace, Avajames, Aubree, Jamal, and Taryn; a sister, Bethel Rosetta Thomas; a brother, Hubert Eldon Thomas; and a host of nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends who loved her dearly.

The funeral service to honor the life of Ms. Thomas will be held 2:00 pm Friday, July 22, 2022 in the chapel of Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Canton. Pastor Pam Johnson will be officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home one hour prior. Burial will be in Crawford / Ray Memorial Gardens in Clyde.

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