COLUMBIA, S.C. — Rachel Emaline Howell Thomas, 85, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 following a long illness.

A funeral service was conducted on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Killian Baptist Church with her son, the Rev. Robert Joseph "Joe" Thomas officiating. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial was on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017 at 1 p.m. in Rocky Mount Baptist Church Cemetery, 4167 Rocky Mount Church Road, Polkton.

Mrs. Thomas was born on Aug. 13, 1932 in Burnsville. She was a daughter of the late Zeb and Callie Mae Howell. She attended UNC-Greensboro and Pfieffer University. She was a member of Killian Baptist Church for 38 years where she served faithfully in the choir, children's ministry, and women's ministry. She was known for her care of homebound church members, her hospitality, and her outreach to visitors to her church. She was best known for her greatest priorities in life, which were her devotion to her Lord and Savior and her love and care for her family.

She titled 1 Corinthians 13 as "My Chapter" and made it her daily goal to remember it always and live accordingly.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob," who passed away in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Annie Laura Bullard, and brother, Tommy Howell. Mrs. Thomas is survived by her son, the Rev. Robert Joseph "Joe" Thomas Jr. and wife Norma, of Salisbury; daughters, Emily Rose Thomas and Sandra Ann Thomas of Columbia, South Carolina; grandson, Robert Joseph "Bobby "Thomas III and wife Sarah Beth of Wake Forest.

The family would like express thanks to Dr. Brian Cline and staff; Dr. Forte Jones and staff; and Amedysis Hospice for the loving care they provided during Mrs. Thomas' illness.

Memorials may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship or Killian Baptist Church.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.