Silent Angel
Our silent angel, Kelly Renae Thomas (34), stepped into God’s eternal embrace on July 4th, 2025.
Born on January 17th, 1991 in Nassawadox, Kelly was the beloved daughter of Bruce Edward Thomas and Lorie Linton Thomas of Saxis. Though her time here on Earth was short, she inspired all who knew her with her quiet strength and incredible resilience. Kelly was a warrior; battling a chronic disability and many health complications throughout the duration of her life. She was blessed with loving parents that ensured she was always cared for at home and never wanted for anything.
Kelly loved her family and had them all wrapped around her little finger. Although she was non-verbal, Kelly could tell you exactly what she was thinking or feeling with her infamous facial expressions. Her smile could light up an entire room and, if she was not happy, she was very quick to let you know. Kelly loved music, bright colors, and movement. While she enjoyed Barney, The Wiggles, and Frozen over the years, her guilty pleasure was always music videos from the 90’s. Kelly also enjoyed a good, soft fleece blanket, of which she had many.
While Kelly had many special friends, she had a very special bond with Mrs. Barb Bugar. Barb came to us as Kelly’s teacher, but stayed as a life-long friend. Kelly very much enjoyed Barb’s visits; Barb would often read her stories and help her make special crafts for her family. Kelly was also blessed enough to have many wonderful nurses and caretakers throughout her life. Among them was Mrs. Beth Sanders who became a close family friend. Beth was always a dedicated advocate for Kelly and provided immeasurable support to her family, especially Kelly’s mother.
Kelly’s presence here on Earth was intentional by God. He made her perfect in His image and entrusted her to a family who loved her irrevocably. To know Kelly was to love her because she had a way of capturing your heart without even trying. Her family feels incredibly honored that God chose them to be her protectors. While she will be profoundly missed, it is without doubt that she is standing in God’s presence with a whole, perfect, brand-new body.
In addition to her parents, Kelly is survived by her grandmother, Elizabeth Mcgee (Joe) of Withams; her sister, Krista Kilmon (Curt) of Parksley; and her brother, Joshua Voss (Patricia) of Mears. She also leaves behind an uncle, Donald Lee Thomas of Saxis; an aunt, Martha Jane Linton of Saxis; two nephews, Jordan Kilmon and Asher Voss; a niece, Alanna Woods; special friends, Barb Bugar and Beth Sanders; and many other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Donald Thomas; maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Madeline Linton; an uncle, Kefford Linton; and a cousin, Katelynn Sterling.
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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Memories of Kelly
Kelly had a contagious smile that would light up the darkest room! I remember the first time I saw her in the Sunday school class. She was a beautiful baby. She may have had a short life down here but she touched so many hearts and left memories we will never forget! She has her wings now, Fly High sweet angel and watch over your family! 😇
Never forgotten always loved ❤️❤️
Some people come into your life for a season, yet leave footprints on your heart forever. Today I’ve been thinking about one of my patients who passed away almost a year ago. Caring for you was more than just a job—it was a privilege. Your strength, kindness, and the conversations I shared with your mom will always stay with me. Even though you’re no longer here, your memory continues to remind me why I chose this profession. You touched my heart in ways you’ll never know. Rest peacefully Angel!! You are deeply missed and will never be forgotten. ❤️
If I could have read your mind
Although short visits were made while visiting, you have stamped a permanent hold on my heart. Some times while visiting you were upbeat watching videos, simply sleeping like an angel and very few were as if you were irritated, but you definitely communicated through your eyes. Not knowing what to say seems null and void because if something happened in your space them EYES would be on us in a heartbeat lol. I've not visited much lately, but you are always on my mind. Love you ♾️❤️
Kelly, truly a silent angel!
It was a great honor to be Kelly’s teacher. Although Kelly did not speak words, she had a lot to say. She spoke with her eyes, her facial expressions, and her body movements. I remember often digging furiously through my school bag to find a learning activity. Kelly’s face and vocalization said, “oh no my crazy teacher can’t find what she needs again!” Pushing Kelly across the stage at her Arcadia High School Graduation was memorable and was a great accomplishment for Kelly. Snuggling with Kelly gave me a great sense of peace. For a short time, Kelly was an angel on Earth teaching people the meaning of life. Now she is an angel in heaven and waits for us until we see her again.
My sister, my friend
Always our angel, but now you have wings. A lover of music, and now you can sing. Not a step here on Earth, yet now you can dance. I imagine you twirling, putting all of Heaven in a trance. No longer silent, for now you can speak. Your spirit was strong, though your body was weak. I will remember your smile each time the sun touches my face, And recall its warmth on the coldest of days. You may have moved on, but your memory remains. Although my heart is broken, I find joy that you have no pain. I know it's just the beginning, even if it feels like the end. You'll always be be my sister and forever my friend.
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Kelly Graduates High School