Carole Thomas

Carole Louise Thomas, 85, of Bristol, passed away Tuesday October 13, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born May 4, 1941 in Chattanooga, TN to Charles and Louise Goins. On August 25, 1965 she married Michael Thomas at Lookout Mountain, TN.

After graduating from Grove Preparatory School in Chattanooga, TN, she graduated with a Batchelor of Arts degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN and a master’s degree from IUSB. She worked as a school counselor and was a loving wife and mom to her children and husband. She attended St. John’s Episcopal Church in Elkhart, IN.

Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Michael, a daughter, Kimberly, her husband Ryan Smith of Larkspur, CO., grandchildren Natalie M. Smith of Madison, WI and Nicholas Smith of Bloomington, IN., and three special people that Michael and Carole thought of as their own children Susan Upward, Pierre, her husband Fabian Farinetti and Evelyn Cerritos.

Visitation for Carole will be from 3-6 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514. Funeral services will be 1pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 226 West Lexington Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 with Pastor Terri Peterson officiating. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to CAPS, Children & Parent Services, 100 West Hively Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517. Online condolences made be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

Please note due to construction on Bristol Street, please enter and exit through the Martin’s Grocery Store parking lot off Homeland Ave., at the flashing light.