Dorothy Clara (Somerville) Thomas, 92, of Loveville, MD died May 12, 2010 in Solomon's Nursing Center, Solomon's, MD. Born August 2, 1917 in Loveville, MD she was the daughter of the late John Thomas Somerville and Mary Alberta Somerville.

Dorothy was the loving wife of Joseph "Harold" Thomas, Sr. whom she married on July 6, 1956. Dorothy is survived by her husband Joseph "Harold" Thomas, Sr.

She is also survived by her children Joseph Harold Thomas, Jr. of Loveville, MD, and Gilberta R. Campbell and her husband James C. Campbell, Sr. of Great Mills, MD her two grandchildren James Campbell, Jr. and Colby Thomas Campbell and her sister Vincena C. Dickerson.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her Brothers John T. Somerville, Jr., Francis Ennis Somerville, Sisters Margaret Elizabeth Frederick, Mary Virginia Hall, and Agnes Theresa Thompson.

Dorothy received her initial teacher training at Bowie State College, Bowie, Maryland. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Morgan State College (1941). Dorothy went on to pursue additional training at George Washington University and Howard University. Dorothy began her service in the public school system in St. Mary's County teaching at Scotland Elementary School (1941-1942), proceeded to Jarboesville school in Hermanville, MD (1942-1948), Mechanicsville (1948-1955), and White Marsh (1955-1957). Dorothy took a two year maternity leave and returned to White Marsh, teaching from (1959-1963). She proceeded to teach at Banneker Elementary School (1963-1966) and ended her teaching career at Leonardtown Elementary School (1966-1977) having completed thirty-four years of service. After retirement, she continued with providing educational service through tutorial services, adult education, and bible study to children in union with the Catholic Church, and working with special education programs in St. Mary's County school system. Dorothy belonged to the National Educational Association, and Maryland State Education. She was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May, 18, 2010 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Morganza, MD where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Fr. Keith Woods officiating. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.