Rosa May Thomas

Rosa May Anders Thomas, 104, of Dothan, Alabama entered her heavenly home on October 17, 2025.

Born on August 23, 1921, in Blountstown, Florida, Rosa grew up during an era when life was simple but rich with meaning. Words like “turpentine”, “horse and mule trading”, “stockyards”, and “hog killings” were part of her everyday world. Her father, having left Louisiana’s turpentine industry, established a horse-trading business in the Florida panhandle, where he and his bride began their life together.

Rosa attended Florida State College for Woman (now Florida State University), graduating in 1943, and went on to earn her master’s degree in library science from the University of North Carolina in 1944 – the day before D-day. Her lifelong love of learning and service began there and carried her to remarkable places.

During her college summers, Rosa worked at Ridgecrest Baptist Assembly in North Carolina, serving as the only lifeguard at beautiful Lake Dew and teaching countless children to swim – many of whom went on to become leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention. Her years at Ridgecrest were filled with joy, faith, and lasting friendships.

Following her graduate studies, Rosa joined the U.S. Navy Library Service during World War II, proudly serving her country by managing and developing libraries at various naval location across the United States. Her distinguished career in library science continued with the Veterans Administration and later with the U.S. Army, where she served as Chief Librarian in Germany and at several major military installations. Her work took her from New York City to Washington D.C., to Germany, and beyond, a remarkable journey for a young woman from Blountstown, Florida.

Rosa was a devoted member of Dothan First Baptist Church and ran the library there for 46 years. She enjoyed lifelong involvement in her community as a member of the Sorosis Study Club, Cherokee Garden Club, The Rosa Thomas Book Club, and the Camilla Society. She also enjoyed gardening flowers and reading.

Rosa was a woman of grace, intelligence, and humor, a storyteller who lived through a century of change yet never lost her curiosity or zest for life. She was devoted to her family and friends and had a special way of making everyone she met feel known and valued.

She is survived by her son, John Thomas ( Dianne); she also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews; Anne Stroud, Dana Norton (Tom), James Franklin Andres II (Lorie-Duggar), Jane Ruffin, Lee Thomas (Mikell), Libba Owen (John), Jean Dagostin (Mike), Karen Etheredge (Steve), Charles Thomas (Becky), Patricia Thomas, Barbara Hendrix, Cindy Burn (Michael), Mark Thomas (Sylvia), Richard Thomas (Rita); her step grandson, Michael Smith, her god-daughter Elizabeth McGregor (Brian), her loving cousin Madelyn Hoyt, her very special and devoted friend Thelmanne McGaughey. Her very devoted Doctor, Mary Lynn Parker. Her loving and caring caregivers; Jackie Bryant, Tiffany Davis, Rebecca Davis and Deanne Davis. Numerous great nieces and nephews and friends.

Rosa was preceded in death by her husband, Shelly Dowling “Red” Thomas, Jr.; her parents Rosa Ruth Smith Anders and James Franklin Anders; and her brother, Charles Leonard Anders and wife Mary Oswalt Anders; her aunt Annie May Woodside (Southport, NC); as well as great nieces and nephews; Marvin Stroud, Charles Herrman, Shane Dagostin, Josh Dagostin and Laura Thomas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in the memory of Rosa to First Baptist Church of Dothan.

Pall bearers are her nephews Jim Anders, Curtis Herrman, Cory Herrman, Stuart Norton, Charlie Norton, Robert Ruffin and Lee Thomas.

Rosa’s life was one of faith, service, and remarkable experiences, a century’s worth of stories, laughter, and love. Her legacy will continue to shine through the many lives she touched.

A celebration of Rosa’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Dothan. Rosa will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery, which will be a private family graveside service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.