Charlene Mae Thomas

Charlene Mae (Saunders) Thomas passed away peacefully on the morning of December 31, 2025, and joined her beloved husband, John “Jack” Aldon Thomas, who preceded her in death, for what her family imagines as a joyful dance around their heavenly kitchen. After fourteen years apart, her three daughters—Paige (Darren) King, Nicole (Bill) Thomas-Campbell, and Kendall (Terry) Thomas-Welsh—find comfort picturing their parents together again.

Charlene deeply enjoyed her grandchildren, in order of birth: Hunter, Haedyn, Hannah, Calum, Delaney, Ryleigh, Connor, and Bellemy. She appreciated every moment with them—while also savoring her quiet solitude once the ruckus of visits had ended. Always a steady presence, Charlene supported her family quietly from the background, lifting them with pride, love, and occasionally her signature sass.

Born on February 17, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to (Macon) Guy Saunders and Elsie Mae (Ernest) Saunders, Charlene graduated from Radford University and married her high school sweetheart, Jack, in 1963. A little over a year later, she left her career as a Home Economics teacher to take on the role she cherished most—Mom—to their firstborn daughter.

Over the years, Charlene and Jack devoted themselves to raising their three daughters while building a life together as business partners, running a dry-cleaning business they named after their children. The business grew to three stores at its peak, serving the Arlandria and Old Town Alexandria, Virginia communities, as well as Fort Washington, Maryland. Their work reflected their deep commitment to their employees as well as providing a stable and loving home for their family.

After selling the business in 1993, Charlene began a new chapter with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, where she worked for more than fifteen years. During that time, her mother, Elsie, moved in with Charlene and Jack, and together they cared for her until her passing eight years later.