Constance Thomas

Constance "Connie" Elizabeth Spain Thomas, 85, left our loving arms on December 4, 2009. She was born on September 10, 1924, in Dinwiddie County, Va. She is predeceased by her parents, Richard S. and Hattie D. Spain. She was married to Arthur J. Thomas who also preceded her in death in 1998. Connie was the youngest daughter of Richard and Hattie Spain, and was predeceased by her brothers, Richard Samuel (Sam) Spain, and William E. (Rock) Spain; and her sisters, Ludia (Dee) Williams, Belle Bishop, Francis Caskey, and Catherine Hawkins. She is survived by her seven children, Pam Lauter, Karen Farren and husband, D.R., Debbie Thomas, Kim Thomas, Stephanie Crockell, Tony Thomas and wife, Caroline, and Becky Watson and husband, Mark. Connie's grandchildren and the love of her life are Nikki and Tripp Farren, Brandon Lauter and wife, Rikki, Rachel Crockell. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Her strength, courage, and love for her family will be with us always. A graveside service will be held at Southlawn Memorial Park on 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, 2009. The family will receive friends at the residence of Karen and D. R. Farren immediately following the graveside service till 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060. Arrangements by the Petersburg Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 South Crater Rd. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.