Clara Evelyn Thomas, 83 of Lexington Park, MD departed this life after a lengthy battle with cancer on Thursday, November 22, 2012 at her family home in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Clara was born on September 15, 1929 in Pearson, MD to the late Joseph Ignatius and Mary Ira (Smith) Thomas. Clara was the youngest of eight children.

Clara was educated in St. Mary's County Public schools and graduated from Jarboesville High School in 1946. Upon graduating, she attended and graduated from the Maryland State Teachers College, presently known as Bowie State University, in 1950. She spent two years teaching in St. Mary's County before relocating to Washington DC and becoming a permanent resident.

Her first job in Washington DC was with the Federal Government at the Internal Revenue Service. Her desire to teach was so strong that in 1964 she began her career in the DC Public School system where she taught for 42 years before retiring. After retirement she spent several years as a substitute teacher in the Prince George's County school system. She influenced the lives of many through her guidance and teaching.

Clara was a devout Catholic who spent her childhood and young adult life as a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lexington Park. In 1965, she became a member of the St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Washington, DC. In 1989 she was accepted and installed as a Sodality member. She also served on the Parish Council, was a member of the Altar Society and as a Eucharistic Minister. Clara's Catholic roots were very strong. She was also a member of the DC Retired Teachers Association (DCRTA).

Clara enjoyed life to the fullest. She was very stylish, vibrant and engaging. She was a devoted sister to her brother and aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Her hobbies included traveling, sewing and ceramics. She enjoyed music both listening and playing. As a child she learned to play the organ, guitar and tenor banjo.

Clara leaves to cherish her memory her brother James Gorman Thomas, 18 nieces and nephews and approximately 200 grand nieces and nephews. She also leaves many cousins, friends and her St. Francis de Sales Church family.

Clara was preceded in death by her siblings, McDowell Thomas, Evelyn Clark, Virgie Somerville, Ogden Thomas, Geraldine Chase and Hazel Biscoe.

Family will receive friends on Friday, November 30, 2012 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park MD, 20653. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.