December 13, 1950-January 14, 2024
Tamora Hunt Thomas, 73, passed away peacefully on January 14th, 2024, at her home in Ridgway, Colorado, surrounded by her husband Terry and her children, Tracy, LeeAnne and Sam.
She bravely battled breast cancer for the last four years. Her strong will to live, faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many others carried her through to the end. As a Christian, she was devout, kindhearted, and strongly moored in the Bible, which she studied faithfully. Over the years, she filled journals of lists of people she prayed for each morning. She believed in and accepted God’s grace and peace that is now surely hers.
Tamora was born to Ray Leland Hunt and Mamie (Thomas) Hunt on December 13th, 1950 in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was raised in Garland, Texas, and graduated from South Garland High School. She pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education at Texas Tech University, North Texas University, and the University of Houston. Terry and Tamora married in 1975.
In 1976, they moved to Alberta, Canada where her two daughters, Tracy and LeeAnne, were born. In 1979 they moved back to Texas, and raised their family, including their son Sam, in Houston and Lake Jackson. She taught early elementary school for many years in Angleton. In 2005, they moved to the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado where they built their mountain home and retired. There she enjoyed the laidback, awe-inspiring Rockies including its abundant wildlife and mountain recreation.
High-spirited, fun-loving, nurturing, and creative, she was well-suited for her 20+ year career as an early childhood elementary school teacher. She also worked as a Habitat for Humanity camp counselor, church volunteer, and Sunday School teacher. Blessed with a terrific sense of humor and constant positivity, people loved being in her presence.
Tamora loved all living things, including family, friends, children, and her many pets and house plants. She enjoyed playing cards and games and always had a “fun” card group going. In addition to being an amazing cook, she was always picking up a new hobby.
In her 50s, she began training and developed a passion for running. Over the next few years, Tamora finished several marathons and half marathons much to her family’s amazement! Her zest for life and love of travel had her backpacking, camping, and touring nearly every state and over 50 countries on six continents, a passion she and Terry shared since they were newlyweds.
Tracy, LeeAnne and Sam, along with their spouses and friends, will always remember how much she loved, accepted, and cared for them always. Known as “Granny T,” her grandchildren were never without a hug, gift, or holiday card filled with confetti. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and playfulness, will never be forgotten.
Tamora is predeceased by her parents and her brother Emory. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Terry; her children, spouses and grandchildren: Tracy, Mark and Andrew (4) Luigs of Dallas; LeeAnne, Jeremy, Aubrey (13) and Ava (11) Coburn of Austin; Sam and Whitney Thomas of Houston; and her many nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to extend sincerest appreciation to her care teams: Dr. Michael Bergen and the staff of San Juan Cancer Center; Dr. Elana Sagisultanova and the staff and doctors at University of Colorado Hospital, Anschutz Breast Center; Dr. Andrew Hersch of Montrose Regional Health; and Amber and Melissa at HopeWest Hospice Care. The medical care provided was extraordinary, as was their love and response to her needs.
A celebration of Tamora’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on January 27 at her church, The United Church of the San Juans, 295 N Lena St, Ridgway. A graveside service will be held on February 3 at 2:00 pm in the Pioneer Garden of Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 7405 W Northwest Hwy in Dallas, Texas.
Crippin Funeral Home is assisting in Colorado, and Jeter and Son Funeral Home is assisting in Dallas.
In lieu of flowers or for remembrances, please consider making a donation to her favorite charities: Haven House of Montrose or The United Church of the San Juans.
