Margaret Thomas

Margaret was born October 29,1934 in Quitman, Georgia to the loving union of James and Beulah Vickers Brown. Also to this union was born another daughter, Dorothy “Dot” Davis. The family moved to Ocala, Florida when Margaret was a toddler. 

Margaret graduated from Ocala’s Howard Academy Public School in 1952. Her love for learning landed her on the school’s Honor Roll and a member of  the National Honor Society. Leaving home at the age of 17, Margaret moved to Atlanta to enroll in Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing to pursue her love of nursing and helping people. Upon graduation in 1955, she furthered her nursing education at Tuskegee Institute, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. 

In 1965, Margaret was joined in holy matrimony to widower Ralph Thomas who was father of Gloria Jean, Ralph Jr., Cheryl Ann and Carol Lynn from his marriage to Vera Thomas. In addition to being a step-mother to 4 children ranging in ages from 7 to 17, Margaret continued to pursue excellence in serving and improving the care of patients. Margaret’s nursing career began at Hines V.A. Hospital in Illinois as a staff nurse and with hard work, advanced through the nursing ranks until she was appointed Associate Chief, Nursing Service in 1983; earning a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University in the same year. Margaret  was recruited by Roudebush V.A. Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana and became the first African-American Chief of Nursing Services, supervising 500 nurses.

Margaret’s heart’s desire was to return to Florida and give back to the community that had given so much to her. Upon retirement she and Ralph relocated to Ocala.  As a Christ follower, she was intentional in her efforts to work in and through the church to meet the needs of the marginalized and underserved. Serving first at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and finally St. Paul AME Church, the church of her childhood, Margaret planned, organized and coordinated health fairs, seminars, and other educational activities within the church as well as in the community. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Margaret had a special place in her heart for breast health and women diagnosed with breast cancer. She coordinated and secured funding for the program “Shop Talk” which networked with beauticians in the Black community to reach their clients with breast health education. Margaret’s accomplishments and commendations are varied and many. Her deepest regret with the onset of her dementia was that she would no longer be able to help people as she’d done for so many years. 

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ralph Thomas Sr.; daughters, Gloria Jean Wise and Cheryl Thomas; son, Ralph Thomas Jr.; and her sister, Dot. 

Margaret leaves to cherish her memory many loving family members and friends: daughter, Carol Lynn; grandchildren, Jerrold Wise (Andrea), David Wise (Peggie), Vera Hill-Jacobs (Patrick), Jumanne Wise, Talib Wise, Kai Bean-Pittman (Deron), and Janelle Dawkins; brother-in-laws, Dennis Thomas (Jane) and Joseph Givens (Ruth); great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.