Mrs. Thomas, who earned a certificate of ordination from the International Ministers Forum, was elected pastor by the congregation and served in that role until retiring in 2002.
Besides her church duties, she often traveled as a missionary, preaching and teaching the Bible abroad. She made several trips to India and taught Bible studies in Argentina and Haiti.
Mrs. Thomas smuggled Bibles into East Germany before the fall of the Iron Curtain, her daughter said, and preached in Sri Lanka at a conference sponsored by Aglow International, a Christian organization.
"She prayed for and counseled countless people over the years and will be remembered for her passion to help the hurting," Lerro said.
A native of Niles, Ohio, Mrs. Thomas was a reporter for the Niles Daily Times while still in high school. She attended Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and trained as a medical technician in Philadelphia.
She and her husband had been married more than 40 years when he died in 1988. His sister had introduced them. Both women were members of the Junior League in Philadelphia.
Mrs. Thomas was a an excellent cook, hosted elaborate dinner parties, and loved to decorate and make crafts, her daughter said.
In addition to her daughter, she is survived by a son, Douglas Jr.; a daughter, Susan Rohm; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Another son, James, died in 1974.
A memorial service will be held in September. For details, contact the family at lthomastribute@aol.com.
Contact Sally A. Downey at 215-854-2913 or sdowney@phillynews.com.
