Carol (Richo) Thomas

In the year 1941, God so wonderfully blessed the late Elliott Richo Sr. and Maebell Baker-Richo with their first daughter, Carol L., in Fernandina Beach, Florida. She attended Nassau County Public Schools, graduating from Peck High School, Class of 1960. After high school, Carol moved to New Jersey and eventually was hired on at Wiggins Plastic. Here she met and married the love of her life, Joseph Thomas. While in New Jersey she joined and became a faithful member of Welcome Baptist Church.

After the family moved to Clopton, Alabama, Carol became employed at West Point Stevens until she retired. She joined St. Michael A.M.E Church and has been a devoted member ever since. She served as the Youth Choir Director, Youth Usher Director, Senior Usher, Sunday School Superintendent, Steward, Missionary and Church Secretary. She had a heart to serve. Her faith was her driving force and was evident in her life until passing – she knew Heaven was her prepared place.

Carol has always had a passion for helping people. She loved her family dearly and was always opened to welcoming others into her family. Her children and siblings were glad to share her with many who called her their second mom or adopted sister; she never met a stranger. Whether the time you spent in her home was short or extended, you always felt like you belonged. She enjoyed visiting the sick and making her famous red velvet cake for her loved ones. She was very involved with Relay for Life; understandably as a breast cancer survivor herself. In her earlier years, she and a group of likeminded women (The Young Women’s Progressive Club) organized pageants for females of color. Carol enjoyed spending her Mondays socializing at the Abbeville Senior Center. She always looked forward to traveling with family.

On June 29, 2022, the Lord called Carol home! She is preceded in death by her parents, Elliott Richo Sr. and Maebell Baker-Richo; brothers Elliott Richo Jr., Alfred Richo and Charles Eugene Richo. She leaves to cherish her loving memories; her loving and devoted husband of fifty-three years: Joseph Thomas; their children: Carlise (James) Matchett of Jacksonville, FL, Joseph (Krystal) Thomas of McDonough, GA, and C. Michelle (Conrad) Barnett of Hampton, GA; seven grandchildren whom she adored; six great grandchildren; brother, Leroy Richo of Fernandina Beach, FL; sisters, Catherine High of Philadelphia, PA and Almajean Richo of Fernandina Beach, FL; brothers-in-laws, Isaac (Daisy) Thomas and Moses (Clara) Thomas; sister-in-laws, Beatrice Lee and Lonea Bell Thomas; and a host of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

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