On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Carol Virginia Payne Thomas met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face. Carol had been striving to overcome many physical difficulties for years. Now, she is free indeed! Carol is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Thomas; her sister, Susan Payne Tanner; and Susan's children and their families: daughter, Stephanie Tanner Hewitt and husband Rick, Hannah and Tanner House; daughter, Rebecca Tanner Nowell and husband Justin, Carrie and Tyler Nowell and Carrie's baby girl, Finley Nowell; and son, Greg Tanner Jr. Carol is also survived by many cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Walton Payne; and brother-in-law, Greg Tanner. After 55 years, Jim's family was Carol's family too. She was survived by Jim's sister, Beverly Thomas Martens and husband Erv and their children and families. She is also survived by the children and families of Jim's sisters, Delores Thomas Hoernke and husband Jerry; Joanne Thomas Bader and husband Russell who preceded Carol in death. Delores, Joanne and Beverly's children are among those precious family members who were loved by Carol. Carol graduated from SLU in Hammond, LA with a degree in Elementary Education. Through the years, she taught first grade and served as Financial manager for Avis. But mostly, she worked closely with Jim in their furniture endeavors as the Office Manager. Carol and Jim lived in several cities across the country, finally settling in Tupelo, MS where they resided for 35 years. When they joined Harrisburg Baptist Church, they soon knew they had found home. Among the many wonderful friends they made at church were special friends: Mitzi Jackson, Nancy and Dick Stevens, Delores and John Smith, and Melissa Greer. A special thanks to the staff at The Claiborne, Carol and Jim's home in McComb, MS and Deaconess Hospice for their loving care and support. There are not enough words to thank the sitters who stayed with Carol around the clock: Shirley, Dianne, Candace, Tiffany, and Barbara. Carol loved the Lord with all her heart and would want Him to be lifted up high. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Harrisburg Baptist Church, Tupelo, MS or Samaritan's Purse.