Foyleen Johnson Thomas, 92, of Burgaw passed from her earthly life on Friday, February 13, 2015 at her home.

She was born October 6, 1922 in Bladen County, one of 11 children born to Cleveland and Lala Suggs Johnson. Foyleen was preceded in death by her husband, Ordell Gregory Thomas; grandson, James Gregory Thomas, Jr.; and nine siblings.

Foyleen is survived by her beloved family: her children, James Gregory Thomas and wife, Nell of Mt. Olive, Harry Glenn Thomas and wife, Judy of Wilmington and Barbara Thomas Meadows and husband, Linwood of Burgaw; grandchildren, Cindy Thomas Jones and husband Eddie, Jeffrey Lloyd Thomas, Susan Danielle Thomas, Kristie Thomas Veasey and husband Thomas, Leigh Anne Thomas Wright and husband Brett, Christopher Mitchell Meadows and wife Kristi, and Erica Meadows Haines and husband Brandon; 24 great grandchildren; sister, Geneva Perkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Today we lost a beautiful influential woman in our family. A lady that taught us about strength, faith, perseverance, trust, LOVE, honesty, forgiveness, self assurance and patience. She was almost completely blind and deaf, but at the age of 92 continued to live by herself and maintain as much independence as possible. Being blind and hearing impaired did not define who Foyleen was. It was simply a part of who she was. Above all, Foyleen was the kindest person we will ever have the pleasure of knowing. She took every opportunity to show and TELL everyone that they were loved. She never let a day go by without being grateful for at least one thing. She always knew how to make you laugh. She loved the Lord and trusted Him with everything. We are so blessed to have had Foyleen to set an example of how to live life. On her sickest days, Foyleen would stick her thumb up and tell us to "BE STRONG". May we all strive to be as strong as Foyleen and accept life's challenges as well as she did. Everyone!!! Please hug your family and tell them you love them.

Funeral service will be 12 noon on Monday, February 16, 2015 at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Nathan Morton and The Rev. Bill Garmon officiating. Burial will follow in Lanier-Meadows Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday in the church fellowship hall at 10:30 a.m. until hour of the service. At other times the family will be at the home of Linwood and Barbara Thomas Meadows in Burgaw.

Memorial gifts may be given to Women of Hope, 1642 S. 41st St., Wilmington, NC 28403 or Burgaw Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Burgaw, NC 28425.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting "Memory Wall" above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Burgaw.


Funeral service will be 12 noon on Monday, February 16, 2015 at Burgaw Baptist Church with The Rev. Nathan Morton and The Rev. Bill Garmon officiating. Burial will follow in Lanier-Meadows Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday in the church fellowship hall at 10:30 a.m. until hour of the service. At other times the family will be at the home of Linwood and Barbara Thomas Meadows in Burgaw.