SMITHVILLE — Mrs. Barbara Burton Thomas, age 96, of Smithville, Georgia, passed away July 10, 2017.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at Hebron Baptist Church. The Rev. Ron Perry and Jimmy Melvin will officiate. Those serving as pallbearers are Charles Israel, Hal Israel, Julian Cosby, Rufus Short, Ronnie Mills and Jack Machek.

The family will receive friends at the residence of Burton and Elaine Thomas at 2363 Ga. Highway 49 South, Smithville, Ga.

Mrs. Thomas was born Aug. 21, 1920, in Asheville, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late George Tillman Burton and the late Ethel Louise Acker Burton. She was a very active member of Hebron Baptist Church for decades where she served as a Sunday school teacher, as well as a leader of the WMU and Girls Auxiliary. She was a charter member of the Iris Garden Club and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Thomas enjoyed flowers and her yard brought her much joy. She loved her family and was a devoted wife and homemaker.

Survivors include her son Burton Thomas (Elaine) of Smithville, Ga.; two granddaughters Rachel Thomas Shealy (John) and Lydia Ann Thomas Fowler (John), all of Americus; four great-grandchildren Mary Martin Shealy, Burton Shealy, Thomas Fowler and Tillman Fowler.

Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joel Fox Thomas, and two sons Robert Joel Thomas and John Fox Thomas. She was also preceded in death by a sister Gloria Wishard and a brother George Burton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hebron Baptist Church, in care of Peggy Israel, 1994 Ga. Highway 308 South, Smithville GA 31787; Perfect Care Activities Fund, 114 Sullivan Drive, Americus GA 31709 or to Pruitt Health Hospice, 708 16th Ave., Cordele GA 31015. Because of her love of flowers, they are also welcome. To sign the online guestbook and express your sympathy to the family go to www.aldridgefuneralservices.com

Aldridge Funeral Service,s 612 Rees Park,, Americus in charge of these services.