Mrs. Thomas began her career in education in Oberlin as a Scope teacher aide in 1969. She was hired as a teacher in 1970 and served as Langston Middle School principal from 1978 until she was named assistant superintendent in 1984.

She resigned from the Oberlin schools in January 1986 to accept the job of director of state and federal programs for the Mansfield schools. She had been director of curriculum for the Indianapolis, Ind., school system for two years.

She was a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church, Oberlin.

Survivors include her husband, John B., to whom she was married 32 years; three sons, Bryan of Elyria, and Kenny and Kevin, both at home; two grandsons, her father, William Payne of Philadelphia; and her mother, Susan Lewis of Elyria. Visitation will be today, March 3, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in the Cowling Funeral Home. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Burial will be in Westwood Cemetery.