Elizabeth Lankford Thomas

Elizabeth Lankford Thomas, 87, of Palmyra, Virginia, died Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at her home in Palmyra surrounded by her family. Betsy was born and raised in Emporia, Va. and always considered that home. She was a 1949 graduate of Mary Baldwin College followed by jobs at Medical College of Virginia and University of Virginia Hospital. Betsy married E.W. in 1955 and Fluvanna County became her home. Her interests and passions form a long list. Besides her four daughters, the highlights include…. Betsy owned and managed E.W. Thomas Inc. with her husband for many years and continued after he was unable to work. The employees over the years are innumerable and have remained friends years after. She was a lifetime member of Fluvanna County Rescue Squad. She dedicated many hours to our community and her family is grateful to her friends and colleagues who worked with her. Betsy was a devoted member of Palmyra United Methodist Church from Bible schoolteacher to Administrative Council. She was faithful in attendance as long as her health allowed, and loved her church family. She was preceded in death by her parents, E.V. and Ida Lankford; her husband, E.W. Thomas, Jr.; and her brother, Eddie Lankford. She is survived by her four daughters, Beth and husband, Wade Parrish, Linda and husband, Bob Dewar, Lee and husband, Joe Mullen, and Ann and husband, Dane Yonce; 13 grandchildren, Catherine, Haden, Meg, 
McKenzie, Heather, Elizabeth, Trip, Eleanor Gray, Jordan, Haden, Katie, Hannah, and Jake; and one great-granddaughter, Betsy. Betsy’s family invited friends to her home, 429 Main Street, Palmyra, on Saturday, June 25, 2016, from 4 until 7 p.m. Funeral services were held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2016, at Palmyra United Methodist Church, 258 Palmyra Way, conducted by the Rev. George Gorman. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fluvanna Country Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 96, Palmyra, Va. 22963, or the Palmyra United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 151, Palmyra, Va. 22963. Sheridan Funeral Home, Kents Store, Va. is in charge of arrangements.