Alma Caines Thomas

Alma "Betty" Caines Thomas, 89, of Summerville, SC, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023.

Born on January 8, 1934, in Charleston, SC, she was the daughter of the late Alma Buero Caines and Emory Caines. 

Besides her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" A. Thomas; a son, Anthony "Tony" Thomas and her daughter, Mary "Beth" Thomas Warren.

A Charleston native, Betty loved her hometown. Betty married the love of her life, Jack Thomas, on February 1, 1953. She continued working as a radiology technician through the early years of her marriage, and spoke fondly of the years that they spent in Panama while he was serving his country. Following the birth of their daughter Beth in 1956, they moved to Summerville, to a house built by Jack, enveloped by many flowering plants and trees, and never left. In addition to staying home to raise Beth, Betty served as a seamstress to the surrounding community.

Betty's greatest joy was her immediate and extended family as well as close friends. Even with her own health issues, she provided care for her mother for many years. Up until her final days, she maintained voluminous correspondence with a multitude of people nationwide whom she held dear. Known for her penmanship, she wrote wonderful, detailed letters and cards. She also enjoyed talking with loved ones on the phone.

Alma is survived by her son-in-law, William "Bud" Warren, III of Summerville, SC; her grandson, William Warren, IV (Brendon) of Decatur, GA and many cousins and other extended family.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, West Ashley. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Charleston, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All 4 Paws Rescue, 708 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC, 29585.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.