Sewell Mortuary respectfully announces the passing of Carolyn Thomas on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Mrs. Thomas was born on Saturday, January 28, 1950.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Word Warriors Ministries in Newnan, Georgia.

Carolyn “Gamma” Thomas was born on January 28, 1950 in Syracuse, New York. Carolyn

was born to the late John Thomas and the late Velma Alford Thomas. She was also preceded

in death by her beloved son, Larry Smith Jr., and her sisters, Cheyanne Dawson and Marie

Thomas.

Carolyn carried with her the values of faith, hard work, and compassion throughout her life.

In Syracuse, Carolyn attended Nottingham and Irving High School. She faithfully dedicated

more than 20 years of service to Castle Rest Nursing Home (also known as Vivian Teal Nursing

Home), working in dietary services until she was forced to take an early retirement.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Carolyn loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a faithful

member of Hopps Memorial CME Church in Syracuse, New York, where she worshipped and

served for most of her life. She was a member of various choirs, president of the Pastors Aide

Board, a member of Morning Manna, and the prayer ministry. After relocating to Newnan,

Georgia she became a devoted member of Word Warriors Ministries, where she found a

loving church family and continued to worship, serve, and grow in her faith. Her relationship

with God was the foundation of her life and a source of strength through every season. She

believed in the power of prayer and was always willing to pray for and encourage others. Her

steadfast faith and intercessory prayers touched countless lives and provided comfort and

strength to many.

Music held a special place in Carolyn’s heart. As a young girl, she developed a unique singing

ability by listening to the legendary Mahalia Jackson, whose powerful gospel music helped

shape her distinctive voice. She also had a deep appreciation for the music of Stevie Wonder.

Whether singing in church, at home, or among family and friends, music was one of the many

ways she expressed her joy and faith.

Carolyn also expressed her love through cooking and baking. She found great joy in preparing

meals and feeding family, friends, and anyone who came through her door. Her kitchen was

a place of warmth, fellowship, and love. She was especially known for her famous pound

cakes and coconut cakes, which became cherished favorites among those who were fortunate

enough to enjoy them. These special treats were just one of the many ways she shared her

generous spirit and brought happiness to others.

Carolyn loved her children and family tremendously and found immense joy in caring for and

supporting those she loved. She leaves her devoted children to cherish her memory, Tamara

Thomas, Velma Hill (George), and John Thomas (Bernadine). She is also survived by three

nieces, a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many other nieces, nephews, cousins

and friends whose lives were blessed by her love, wisdom, and kindness.

Carolyn will be remembered for her loving spirit, strong faith, generous heart, and unwavering

dedication to her family. Her life was a testimony of love, resilience, and trust in God. She

touched countless lives through her kindness, her beautiful singing voice, her delicious

cooking and baking, her faithful prayers, and her steadfast devotion to the Lord.

Sewell Mortuary is honored to serve the Thomas family.