Georgetown:

Barbara Jill Thomas, 76, of DeBordieu Colony, SC passed away peacefully on April 28, 2023 with her husband and two sons by her side.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Michael Thomas, her two sons Michael and David, their wives Michelle and Deborah, and her grandchildren, Michael, Zachary, James, Dylan, and Andrew.

She was preceded by her parents Joe and Carolyn Bromley.

Jill was first, and foremost, all about family. She captured Mike's heart in High School in Itasca, IL not long after he moved there from Southern California and there was soon no doubt in either of their minds that they were meant for each other. They were married a few years later, on May 26, 1967. Just one year later, she became a mom with the birth of her son Michael followed by David three years later. While there is no doubt that she would have been successful in any chosen field, Jill absolutely found her calling as a wife/mom/family matriarch and proudly became known as Nana to her five grandsons in the years that followed.

Jill's caring ways extended well beyond her family. She loved horses and realized a lifelong dream when her appaloosa, Autumn Wind, came into her life. She spent countless days galloping along the trails with the wind blowing in her hair, woman and horse as one for 15+ years. As the kids moved onto college, Jill parlayed her love of children and horses into a successful second career as a volunteer, board member, and key fundraiser for New Jersey's Summerset Hills Handicap Riding (now the Mane Stream organization) which helps improve the quality of life for those with special needs through a program of equine assisted activities, therapy services, and educational initiatives. Her efforts there were recently honored as one of the organization's 50 People for 50 years celebration. After moving to South Carolina, she shifted her attention to turtles as she joined a wonderful group who walked the local beach at dawn to help protect the endangered sea turtle nests.

She and Mike were also fortunate enough to find time to travel throughout the United States and the world - even managing to hit six continents during one particularly busy year. Jill absolutely loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and was sure to watch nearly every game (including trips to one of the local pubs with the NFL Ticket) while texting throughout with her equally as passionate son, David. Jill will be greatly missed by her family, but also her many lifelong friends as she kept in touch with friends from high school, held annual reunions with the "Muncie Group", enjoyed Tuesday Cart Cocktails with the DeBordieu crew, and kept in contact with so many others.

No services are planned at this time, but the family encourages all to celebrate her life in their own way. In lieu of flowers, Jill would encourage that donations be directed to the Mane Stream Organization of New Jersey (www.manestreamnj.org).

Mayer-Ethridge of Georgetown is honored to serve the Thomas family.