Brenda Thomas
Molly Thomas
Billy Lee (Raynor) Thomas was born August 16th, 1927 in San Francisco, CA and lived in
the bay area for many years. In 1937, she danced with her Girl Scout troop across the Golden Gate Bridge as part of it’s opening ceremonies. During World War II, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter”, servicing Boeing Planes as a mechanic in Washington State. Billy met Jack Thomas at a roller skating rink and fell in love in 1948. They were married and raised a family together.
Billy was a devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend to many in their neighborhood in Redwood City. The Thomas household was famous for their constant hospitality and a frequent gathering place for friends and family, and was well known for their annual Christmas breakfast, which often hosted over 100 guests from across the country. She worked for more than 30 years for Heublein Spirits, Inc., starting out on the assembly line and working her way up to Assistant Purchasing Agent due to her excellent work habits and keen intellect. In her fortys she joined her children and attended Canada College, graduating with an AA degree.
In 1990, Billy retired and moved to Lodi, CA and had a great time living close to
her brothers Jack and Bud, her sisters in law and family who had settled in the Central Valley. She became an active member of Lodi Avenue Baptist Church and quickly made many wonderful friends. There she “adopted” Ione Lugg, who became a treasured family member and who provided much love and care to Billy during her years in Lodi. In her retirement years, Billy was known for her giving nature and her hospitality. She was an excellent cook and baker with a southern flare. Her potato salad and potato cake among other things were legendary. She continued to learn new skills and, with the assistance of her lifelong friend Beula Alioto, became an avid quilter. She gifted many loved ones her quilts over the years and was always delighted to offer classes and individual help to those who had an interest in learning the craft.
Billy moved in with her children in 2019, leaving the life she loved so much in Lodi. Her family is so grateful to have had the opportunity to be with her in her later years and return in small ways some of the love and care she showed to so many over her lifetime. Billy graduated to heaven, surrounded by many loved ones, on November 14th, after a brief illness. She was predeceased in death by sisters- Betty and Ruth; husband - Jack; sons - Bob and Kenneth (Karen); sister in law - Lee Raynor; and son-in-law - Paul Nelson. Billy is survived by her brothers - Bud Raynor and Jack (Marge) Raynor; daughter - Sally Nelson; sons - Tim (Hasmik) and Joe (Brenda); many nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren - Tim (Sommer) Nelson, Jamie (Sara) Nelson, Keith Thomas (Katherine), Krista (Chris) Gazzaway, Molly (David) Martin La Bay, Meg (Brandon) Kuhn, Annie Nelson, Ben Thomas, Abby Thomas; and seven great grandchildren – Max, Perry, Oliver, Mila, Zuzu, Eli and Elle.
the bay area for many years. In 1937, she danced with her Girl Scout troop across the Golden Gate Bridge as part of it’s opening ceremonies. During World War II, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter”, servicing Boeing Planes as a mechanic in Washington State. Billy met Jack Thomas at a roller skating rink and fell in love in 1948. They were married and raised a family together.
Billy was a devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend to many in their neighborhood in Redwood City. The Thomas household was famous for their constant hospitality and a frequent gathering place for friends and family, and was well known for their annual Christmas breakfast, which often hosted over 100 guests from across the country. She worked for more than 30 years for Heublein Spirits, Inc., starting out on the assembly line and working her way up to Assistant Purchasing Agent due to her excellent work habits and keen intellect. In her fortys she joined her children and attended Canada College, graduating with an AA degree.
In 1990, Billy retired and moved to Lodi, CA and had a great time living close to
her brothers Jack and Bud, her sisters in law and family who had settled in the Central Valley. She became an active member of Lodi Avenue Baptist Church and quickly made many wonderful friends. There she “adopted” Ione Lugg, who became a treasured family member and who provided much love and care to Billy during her years in Lodi. In her retirement years, Billy was known for her giving nature and her hospitality. She was an excellent cook and baker with a southern flare. Her potato salad and potato cake among other things were legendary. She continued to learn new skills and, with the assistance of her lifelong friend Beula Alioto, became an avid quilter. She gifted many loved ones her quilts over the years and was always delighted to offer classes and individual help to those who had an interest in learning the craft.
Billy moved in with her children in 2019, leaving the life she loved so much in Lodi. Her family is so grateful to have had the opportunity to be with her in her later years and return in small ways some of the love and care she showed to so many over her lifetime. Billy graduated to heaven, surrounded by many loved ones, on November 14th, after a brief illness. She was predeceased in death by sisters- Betty and Ruth; husband - Jack; sons - Bob and Kenneth (Karen); sister in law - Lee Raynor; and son-in-law - Paul Nelson. Billy is survived by her brothers - Bud Raynor and Jack (Marge) Raynor; daughter - Sally Nelson; sons - Tim (Hasmik) and Joe (Brenda); many nieces and nephews; nine grandchildren - Tim (Sommer) Nelson, Jamie (Sara) Nelson, Keith Thomas (Katherine), Krista (Chris) Gazzaway, Molly (David) Martin La Bay, Meg (Brandon) Kuhn, Annie Nelson, Ben Thomas, Abby Thomas; and seven great grandchildren – Max, Perry, Oliver, Mila, Zuzu, Eli and Elle.
Billy gave her time and her attention to others wholeheartedly. She was an encourager and had a knack for seeing the best in others. She is greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing this kind and giving woman and we take comfort knowing we will be reunited one day again in heaven. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that who so ever believes in Him will have everlasting life.” John 3:16
