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Hilda Grace Smith Thomas departed this world on Sept. 28, 2024, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her loved ones who entered heaven before her. She was born the middle child to Flora Preston Smith and James Bernard Smith on Dec. 14, 1938, near Midland City, Alabama. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, 3 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Troy with Dr. Ross Lankford officiating and Dillard Funeral Home of Troy directing. Interment will follow in Green Hills Memorial Park with Dillard Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, from 2 until 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Troy. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Troy State University and a master’s degree in education from Auburn University, Hilda taught at the Troy Lab School and at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida.

On March 14, 1964, she married Dr. William M. Thomas, a dentist in Troy. They proceeded to have a family, leaving her survived by four children, twelve grandchildren, and one great-grandchild: Norma Pascuales, formerly married to Pedro Pascuales and mother of Jacob and Ethan Pascuales; William Thomas II, married to Ramona Clackler Thomas and father of Will, Abigail, and Wyatt Thomas, Will married to Haley Thomas and father of Cash Thomas; Dr. Kimberly Ward, married to Dr. Allen Ward and mother of Sydney Ward, married to Jordan Dragan, Collin Ward, and Ella Ward; James “Jim” Thomas, married to Angela Stump Thomas and father of Cade Thomas, Jackson Thomas, Hope Thomas, and Grace Thomas. Hilda is survived as well by a sister, Velinda Smith Wood, with a brother, Harry Smith, having already passed before them.

Hilda taught children’s Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Troy when her own children were small and began teaching at Shellhorn Elementary School in Pike County when her children were school age. She remained teaching there until she retired. She was an active Sunday School member and member of the Women’s Missionary Union at First Baptist Church and an active member of Troy Garden Club. She loved growing plants and flowers and earned the nickname “the plant lady.” She played the piano and enjoyed art lessons, painting, and traveling for a number of years. She faithfully took care of her husband the last years of his life until his death in 2022.

Hilda was known for her love and graciousness. She always maintained a cheerful, upbeat personality, had a smile for everyone, and loved to share a laugh with her friends and family. She was most of all a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. May you rest in peace, Hilda Mom, the love of our lives.

To sign the online guest register please visit our website at dillardfh.com.