Cleta Nell Stewart Thomas

Mrs. Cleta Nell Stewart Thomas, 87, of Broadway, NC passed away on February 20, 2025, at Sanford Manor Memory Care. She was born on October 5, 1937, to the late Andrew Watson Stewart and Martha McPhail Stewart.  In addition to her parents, Cleta was preceded in death by husband John Robert “Bobby” Thomas, 5 brothers and 5 sisters.

Cleta was born and raised on her family farm in Harnett County and lived there until her graduation from Boone Trail School in 1956. In 1957 she married her childhood sweetheart Bobby Thomas. His career in retail provided them with the opportunity to live in cities all along the East Coast as they started their family. In 1976 Cleta and Bobby were happy his job brought them back to Broadway and closer to their families. At that time she embarked on a long career in public education as a second grade Teacher Assistant until her retirement in 2000.

Cleta found great joy in raising her family of three girls, but her greatest joy was her role as a grandmother. From tubing down mountain rivers, countless vacations, braving ECU football games; she made every experience memorable. She was a master seamstress, making outfits for Barbie dolls, clothes for her family, and beautiful wedding gowns for many. She loved being outdoors, gardening, visiting friends and family, and always looked forward to her daily walks around the Town of Broadway. Cleta will be remembered for her strong faith, generous heart and quick wit.

She is survived by daughters Renée Thomas Snell (Tom) of Sanford, NC, Phyllis Thomas House (Greg) of Greenville, NC, and Terri Thomas McKay (Dwayne) of Mt. Olive, NC; grandchildren Lucas McKay (Hanna), Evan House, Malia McKay, Jamie Rothrock (Mark), Kelsey Burrow (Ben); great grandchildren Jasper Allen, Jackson Rothrock, Mary Scott Rothrock, Lila Burrow, and Ruby Burrow; sisters Shirley Patterson, and Edith Cayton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 24, 2025, at Spring Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Bobby Rackley officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Church Sanctuary following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Enrichment Center of Lee County (Senior Services) or Spring Hill United Methodist Church, 1960 Spring Hill Church Road Lillington, NC 27546

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