Laura S Thomas

Laura Bell Stilwell Thomas, age 98, of Roanoke, VA, passed away on September 2, 2023. She was born on November 2, 1924, to Andrew and Minnie Stilwell as the baby girl of the family. Her parents, along with her siblings Maggie Marshall, James Stilwell and Charlie Stilwell, all preceded her in death. After graduating from Sylvatus High School in 1943, Laura Bell briefly attended Charlottesville School of Nursing but decided it wasn’t her calling. On April 8, 1944, Laura Bell married James Walter Thomas. Their loving union lasted until his passing in 2004. Their journey together brought the joy of 7 children into their lives: Joyce (Jack) Conner, Donna (Gordon) King, Curtis Thomas, Wanda (Danny) Saunders, Vicky (Hank) Welch, James (Brenda) Thomas Jr, and Lonny (Jane) Thomas. Sadly, Donna and Curtis predeceased their mother.
Laura Bell was blessed with 11 grandchildren: Jackson (Tammy) Conner, Darin (Tammy) Conner, Jamie Swecker (predeceased), Lori “Michelle” (Jim) Vail, Jodi Mannon, Kesha (Brett) Kingswell, Brandi Thomas, Chandra (Travis) McLaughlin, Corey (Junko) Thomas, Kasey Thomas and Logan (Zach) Gossett. Her children’s remarriages extended her family even further, adding a multitude of additional family into her circle of love. Once her children were grown, Laura Bell dedicated several years to working at Chalaine in the sewing department. However, her life’s primary purpose was to live in a way that honored God. She loved her church, East Gate Church of the Nazarene, where she not only devoted herself to caring for infants in the nursery but was also the Director of the Children’s Sunday School and Bible School. Much of her focus throughout the years centered on mission work, including multiple trips to the Indian School in Arizona and mission trips across the Caribbean. She also dedicated countless hours to her church community, guiding her family and even influencing those who had strayed. When she wasn’t working or caring for her family, one could usually find her sewing, or in her garden. A cherished memory held by her grandchildren was the time spent snapping beans with her. In her spare time, she provided many haircuts to family and friends, and she always lent a helping hand to those in need. Laura Bell loved her family, church, friends and neighbors, and was able to love everyone because she loved Jesus and always put God first.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Laura Bell’s life on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 1pm, with visitation at 12 noon, at East Gate Church of the Nazarene in Roanoke, VA. Burial directly following the service at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park, and food will be provided for the family at East Gate Church afterwards. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.
The family wishes to thank all the staff and caretakers at Springtree and Our Lady of the Valley, with a special thank you to the nurses and CNAs in the Memory Center.
Laura Bell will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warm smile, infectious schoolgirl laughter, and loving hugs will forever be remembered.

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