Lynda S Thomas' Obituary
The Lord called Lynda home at the age of 70 on October 14, 2025, in Tacoma, Washington.
Born in Tacoma on December 24, 1954, Lynda S. Thomas was the second daughter of the late Doris R. Thomas and Bradley F. Thomas. She grew up in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma and formed lasting friendships at Stanley Elementary, Hunt Jr High., and at Wilson High School of which she graduated in 1973. Always wanting to expand her knowledge base, Lynda earned an Associate degree in Business Management from Pierce College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington Tacoma, with the graduation Class of 1997.
Lynda began a long career in retail management at Sears and Fred Meyer, but her heart was always with serving the community, as she loved people. For more than 40 years, Lynda dedicated her life to serving others as the owner and operator of The Thomas Inn in Fircrest, a residential care home for disabled veterans. Through her compassionate leadership and indefatigable dedication, she touched countless lives and created a nurturing home for those who had served their country.
In addition to being a devoted caregiver of the Thomas Inn, Lynda worked tirelessly with POCAAN (People of Color Against Aids Network), the Purdy Prison ministry, and Allen AME Missionary projects. During a trip to South Africa, Lynda discovered and fellowshipped with South Africans who shared her passion in helping others. Throughout her lifetime, Lynda’s spirit of community service extended to hundreds, which had a multiplicative effect, as she provided temporary housing to the indigent, food for the hungry, and clothing and jobs to those needing kinship, support and a head start.
Lynda’s home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious aromas of her cooking. She loved entertaining family and friends—especially during the holidays—and was well-known for her festive Christmas gatherings and joyful New Year’s Day Gumbo parties, a tradition that family and friends looked forward to each year. A woman of deep faith, Lynda was an active and valued member of both Allen A.M.E. and Seventh-day Adventist churches, where she found community, strength, and purpose. Lynda’s unwavering spirit, compassion, and joy will always be treasured and remembered by those who knew her. She is survived by her biological son Robert Garrett Jr., adopted children Anthony Garrett, Karma Thomas, Kyra Thomas Holman, and Ziann Holman, cherished grandchildren Jasmine Garrett, Tre Garrett, and McKenzie Baker, and adored
great-granddaughter Jordyn Jackson. She is also survived by her beloved sisters Carol Hill-McCleary, June M. Berring, and Vicky T. Robinson, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever remember her vibrancy, kindness, and generosity.
Funeral and celebration of life arrangements will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025 at 10:00am at the Aspen Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA, 98499 https://www.mountainviewtacoma.com/.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice that helps families in need
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