Breida G. Thomas

Asheville - Breida Gardner Thomas, 97, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Givens Health Care. A native of Yancey County, she had resided in Buncombe County for most of her life. She retired as a Secretary from Woodfin School and was formerly an Office Manager of Thomas Auto Parts. She was a graduate of Woodfin High School and Brevard College and was a lifelong member of Elkwood United Methodist Church where she was the oldest member. Mrs. Thomas was the daughter of the late James Jackson Gardner and Laura McIntosh Gardner and wife of Leonard Silas Thomas who died in 1993. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Annis Demos and brother, Ed Gardner. Surviving are her son, Jackie Leonard Thomas of Asheville; daughter, Rev. Lynda T. Briggs and husband Michael of Hendersonville; grandchildren, Meleisa Woods (Jeff), Richard Briggs (Sabrina), Laura Davis (Byron) and Patrick Briggs (Bianca); seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 5 PM Saturday, June 18, 2016 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Pisgah View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Elkwood United Methodist Church, 15 Elk Mtn Rd, Asheville, NC 28804. A special thank you to her dear friend, Nell Young; her caregiver, Ann Moore; her neighbor, Jimmy Cosgrove and the entire staff of Givens Health Care Center.