Wilma “Gay” Thomas, 78, was born on August 10, 1947, to George Catlett Jr. and Leah Briggs.
She was a college graduate and devoted 28 years of service to Marshall University, where she retired after serving as a Senior Administrative Secretary on the South Charleston Campus.
Gay was preceded in death by her mother, Jo Ann Grear; her father, George Catlett Jr.; her mother, Leah Davis Briggs; her sister, Missy Jeffries; her niece, Courtney Hatcher; and her nephew, Jaime Jeffries.
She is survived by her brother, Dale Catlett (Rusty) of Maple Fork, West Virginia; her sister, Jo Ellen Bragg (Roger) of Grandview, West Virginia; her sister, Lois Myles (Dean) of Daniels, West Virginia; her brother, G.W. Catlett III of Danville, Kentucky; her sister, Kanita Smith (Mike) of Daniels, West Virginia; her daughter, Elizabeth Karnes (Michael) of Poca, West Virginia; her son, Russell North (Wendy) of Poca, West Virginia; and her special mention daughter, Ryan Thomas.
Gay was a proud and loving grandmother to Amber North, Rachel Pudell, Erica Schau, Autumn Rollins, Erin Barbe, and Gracie North. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Kohen, Annabelle, Charlotte, Karalynne, Noah, and Blake.
Gay was a faithful member of Heizer Community Church.
Gay was a magnetic force who drew anyone within her radius straight to her. With a picturesque smile, an infectious laugh, and countless words of wisdom, she forged unbreakable bonds and left lasting impressions on every person she encountered.
Throughout her career at Marshall University, Gay earned the admiration and respect of her colleagues for her innovation, dedication, and faithful service. Yet, if you had asked her what she considered her greatest accomplishment, she would have answered without hesitation: her family. She never missed an opportunity to brag about the people she loved or to work them into any conversation.
Gay’s empathy and compassion ran deep within her heart. When her father, George, her mother, Leah, and her husband, James Herbert, needed her most, she answered without hesitation, becoming their steadfast and strong anchor during their final days. She provided care, assistance, love, and, above all, an abundance of laughter.
Gay’s friendship was invaluable, but her ability to listen, share casual chit-chat, engage in heartfelt conversations, and offer hard-hitting facts were what truly made her one of a kind.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Hospice, especially Elizabeth, Amanda, Sarah, Pete, and all those who provided her care.
A tribute to the life of Gay will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 5:00 pm at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Michael Karnes and David Bragg officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
