December 28, 2024, 89, Goldsboro —
On December 28, 2024, Erma Neal Thomas went to meet her creator. She had struggled with dementia long enough. To know Erma was to know the essence of energy in motion. Erma epitomized a healthy lifestyle. She exercised daily, cooked healthy food, and played lots of tennis. Erma was tough, but also compassionate, driven, competitive, and focused. She was beautiful inside and out.
Born in Wayne County on November 5, 1935, Erma graduated from Rosewood High School Class of 1954 where her passion was playing basketball. She loved school and especially her classmates. In September of 1953, Erma was crowned Miss Farmers Day, an annual event sponsored by the Goldsboro Jaycees. She attended Campbell College until a handsome young man named JC (Jay) from New Hope convinced her to get married.
She was a busy homemaker in the early years of married life. She was a dedicated mom to Cathy and Chris. She was an accomplished seamstress, volunteered in the school health room, and was a Girl Scout leader. She was a faithful member of Providence United Methodist Church where she led Wednesday night youth prayer meetings, was a leader in the Women’s Society, and was an active Circle Member. She and Jay led the Faith, Hope and Love singers; middle and high school youth from the church community who traveled to local churches singing contemporary Christian music.
In 1971, Erma decided to go back to school. She attended Wayne Community College and graduated with honors with an associate degree in dental hygiene. She was immediately hired by the State of North Carolina for Wayne County becoming North Carolina’s first public health dental hygienist where she served for 26 years. Erma worked tirelessly at the local level screened children at each school annually, trained teachers, and pioneered the first fluoride mouth rinse program. She originated the widely used “one, two, three, jiggle, wiggle” tooth-brushing techniques for elementary school children. She screened 10,000 – 12,000 children a year and sent notes home to parents if treatment was needed. She worked to create policies that brought school-based and community water fluoridation to Wayne County. She was President of the North Carolina Dental Hygienists Association. She received the Becky Bowden Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award in 1992, the Rankin Award and the Ernest A. Branch Award by the NC Public Health Association in 1999. She was honored by Governor James B. Hunt in 1999 with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award given by the state for outstanding service.
Erma and Jay fulfilled their lifetime dream of retiring to the beach. They could be found daily working out at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Center. One of Erma’s passions was tennis. She played several times a week with groups from the Crystal Coast Country Club and the Ole Porte Racquet Club. She played well into her 80s with beloved friends and loved every minute of it.
Erma was very proud of her family, and nothing made her happier than large gatherings around the kitchen island of her and Jay’s home. She is survived by her daughter Cathy Thomas (Carolyn Dunn) of Raleigh, son Chris Thomas (Wendy) of Goldsboro, grandchildren Cassie Thomas Barnes (Chris) of Goldsboro, Dillon Thomas of Goldsboro, and greatgrandchildren, Trevor, Tabitha, and Gavin. She is proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Jay (JC) Thomas, her parents Grover and Alice Thompson Neal and her brother, Donald Cecil Neal, Sr. of Goldsboro.
Join us on January 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at Emerald Isle Baptist Church for a Celebration of Erma’s Life. The church is located at 304 Emerald Plantation Road, Emerald Isle NC 28594.
Those seeking to honor her life are asked to consider a memorial gift to Emerald Isle Baptist Church with funds being dedicated to the kitchen.
Our family would like to thank the staff of The Landings of Swansboro, the staff with Gentiva Hospice, and Amy Rich, PA for their loving and exceptional care.
Our family thanks you for your friendship, prayers, expressions of love and many acts of kindness during Erma’s life. Knowing her and loving her has been our privilege. Erma often reminded us that we must be kind and loving and take care of one another.
