Mrs. Rachel Elaine Thomas, affectionately known as "Raffi," age 78, of Winston-Salem, NC, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Abbott Creek Center in Lexington, NC, following an extended illness.

Rachel was born on July 19, 1946, in Davidson County to Thelma Mae Tuttle Banks and Melvin Pate Page, Sr. She was educated in the Davidson County School System and on December 7, 1968, married the love of her life, Henry Lee Thomas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family, raising three beautiful daughters. Rachel's devotion to her family was boundless, and she cherished the many moments spent with them.

A lifelong and devoted member of Gates of Zion Worship Center (formerly Gates of Zion Glorious Church of God) in Midway, NC, Rachel played an integral role in her church community. Under the leadership of Bishop Robert G. Melton, and later Pastor Christopher Melton, she faithfully served in various ministries, including the Sick and Flower Committee and the Gospel Choir. Known for her radiant voice, she often sang her favorite song, "Serve God, Til I Die," and joyfully contributed to the Praise & Worship Team. Later in life, she humbly accepted the honorable title of "Mother Rachel," embracing her responsibilities as a missionary and a willing worker in the church's kitchen committee. Rachel's steadfast faith and tireless work ethic were admired by all who knew her.

Rachel also loved traveling to support gospel events and other church services, often accompanying Evangelist Christine Talbert and Brenda Leak. Her passion for spreading joy and her dedication to community service left a lasting impact on many.

Beyond her contributions to the church, Rachel will be fondly remembered for her love of sharing small joys with her neighbors: from ice-cold Pepsis on summer days to giving out popsicles, strawberry pies, and her signature mac-n-cheese. She was a woman of ambition, strength, and great kindness. Rachel's thoughtful nature touched the hearts of many, and her legacy will endure in the community she served so selflessly.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Lee Thomas; her parents; a great-grandson; two sisters, Ruby Jean Tuttle and Katie Frances DeLapp; a brother, Palmer Page; her step-daughter, Sonya Sanders-Neal; and her dearest friend, Wilhemina Douglas.

Rachel leaves to cherish her memory her three daughters, Evangelist Antoine (Elder Stanley) Johnson of Thomasville, NC, ShaDonna Thomas, and Evangelist Kimberly Thomas, both of Winston-Salem, NC; two step-children, Van (Joyce Hargrave) Leonard and Pascha Leonard, both of Winston-Salem, NC; two brothers, Melvin Pate Page, Jr. and Lonnie Ray Page, both of Midway, NC; grandchildren O'Mauria Thomas, Cardarris (Antoinette) Thomas, Jaquanna (Troy) Thomas Felder, Craig Hogan, Janiah Craig, Monterrius Thomas, Takira Sanders, A'Jayla Leonard, Ezekiel Boyd, Amiya Cody, and Marquis Cody; nine great-grandchildren; aunts Evangelist Christine Talbert and Corina (Forcie) DeLapp; sisters-in-law Bernice Tuttle, Donnice (Clifton) Lindsay, and Linda Carol Smith; brother-in-law Anthony Roberts; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends, including Patricia Ann Young, Jackie Marsh, and Pearl Hayes.

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Roberts Funeral Service in Lexington, NC, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Family visitation will be held at Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 2651 Buchannan Street, Winston-Salem, NC, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 12:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Gates of Zion Worship Center Cemetery in Midway, NC.

Mrs. Rachel Elaine Thomas will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, kindness, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.