Barbara Marie (Fordyce) Thomas passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024.  She was born September 22, 1940, in Gilmore Township, MI the daughter of Gaylord and Geneva (Dixon) Fordyce.

After graduating from Farwell Area Schools in 1958, she attended Taylor University before graduating from Central Michigan University in 1962, achieving both her Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Education.

Barbara taught at a number of schools over her career, including schools in North Dakota, Minnesota, and in Okinawa, Japan.  The majority of her career was spent working as a School Librarian for Oscoda Public Schools from 1970-1990.

Barbara loved the Lord; she was very active in her church and spent many hours volunteering and serving others.  Barbara's joy came from her family.  She has two sons and five grandchildren, and loved to travel and spend time at family gatherings.

Barbara is survived by:  her son David and Lisa Thomas, Traverse City, and son Steve and Riza Thomas, Muskegon, along with her grandchildren, Jacob, Sydney, Quinn, Joseph, and Nathan.  She is also survived by her sisters, Martha Gene (Fordyce) and Gerald Welsh, and Eleanor (Fordyce) Sells, along with many nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Geneva Fordyce, and her brother-in-law, Roy Sells.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00pm on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Bayview Wesleyan Church in Traverse City.  Visitation will immediately precede the funeral from 11:00am-12:00pm. Interment will be at the Pine River Cemetery, Blanchard, MI on Monday, June 24 at 11 AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bayview Wesleyan Church's community meals program at 720 Wayne St. Traverse City, MI 49684.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com