Elizabeth Ray Thomas

Elizabeth Ray Thomas, 69, of Clayton, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Mt. Herman Baptist Church with her nephew, Reverend Frankie Dyson, officiating. The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home, prior to the service beginning at 1:00PM.

Born on January 23, 1956, in Leaksville, NC, Elizabeth was the cherished daughter of Allen Edward Thomas and Kate Evelyn “Pat” Thomas. Elizabeth managed several pool and hot tub stores throughout the Triad area before retiring. Her creativity and love for the holidays shone brightly as she transformed these stores into Christmas wonderlands each season. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she shared that joy with everyone around her. Elizabeth was a devoted and loving mother whose compassion for family and friends was unmatched.

She is survived by her children, Wendy Dawn Nowakowski and Christopher Wayne Hale, her daughter-in-law, Leslie Lunsford Hale, and son-in-law, Gregory Allen Nowakowski. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Karen Elizabeth Hale Maness, Kelsey Hale Andreski, and Nicholas Allen Nowakowski, and her great-grandchild, Carter Jay Maness.

Elizabeth will be remembered for her unwavering love for her children, generosity, and the warmth she brought to every life she touched.

In honor of Elizabeth’s love of flowers, please send flowers to Wilkerson Funeral Home.