Deborah Lee Thomas

Deborah Lee (Pitzer) Thomas, Age 74, of Dayton, OH passed away on May 25, 2023, at home with her family, after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Deb was born on February 4, 1949, in Dayton, OH as the first child of the late Kenneth and Florence Pitzer. She graduated from Walter E. Stebbins High School in 1967 and attended Wright State University. Deborah paused her education to marry the love of her life, Richard L. Thomas II, and opened the Deborah Thomas School of Dance. In 1977 she and Rich moved their family of 5 to Cridersville, OH where she was a beloved Room Mother, 4-H Advisor, Dance Instructor, PTO president, and Girl Scout Leader. She later graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Education and began her teaching career at Lima Correctional Institution. Her love of learning and teaching led her to earn her master's degrees from Xavier University which launched her into a career as principal of several correctional institutions in Ohio. Mrs. Thomas had an immense love for those she taught and positively impacted countless lives in her plight to make everyone's world a better place. Deborah was an avid Buckeye Fan, equestrian and dancer.. She enjoyed reading, cruising around the world, and was a lifelong animal lover. Deborah will be fondly remembered by her co-workers, friends, and family for her intelligence, welcoming demeanor, kindness, generosity, words of encouragement, and love. Deborah is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Richard "Dick" Thomas (II) of Dayton, sister Janice Pitzer of Dayton, daughters Tamara Brewer of Cincinnati and Brittany (Phil) Farmer-Giordano of Springboro, and son Richard (Trey) Thomas III of Dayton. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren: grandsons Tyler Brewer of Cincinnati and Trey Thomas of Wapakoneta, grand-daughters Audrey Oen of Wapakoneta, Ashley Comer of Wapakoneta, Alexandra Farmer of Springboro, Victoria Farmer of Springboro and Lola Thomas of Beavercreek.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Centerville Newcomer Funeral Home 820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. Dayton, Ohio with remembrances and music. Visitation will be from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, followed by the memorial service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Hope Foundation to support the incredible people of DayCity Hospice or 4 Paws for Ability inmate dog training program.

Deborah's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click Here to view the service.

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