Sandy and Judy Thomas
Brightspire Foundation has received a generous gift of over $200,000 from the estate of former Glenaire residents, Rev. George Alexander "Sandy" and Dr. Judith F. "Judy” Thomas. This gift will provide support to the Micou Browne Endowment for resident financial assistance. Judy was a member of the Glenaire Society, and they were generous, caring contributors to the Foundation during their time at Glenaire. Judy has also left her baby grand piano to Glenaire which will be restored with the help of her brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery and Lyn Fey, and placed in the rotunda for the enjoyment of residents.
Judy was born June 3, 1940, in Springfield, Missouri, as the eldest child of Thomas and Dorothy Fey. After moving to Raleigh, NC with Sandy, Judy taught in the Raleigh school system until 1974, when she began studying at NC State University, where she earned her PhD. During this time, she began research on controlled variables related to the growth of tobacco seedlings. In 1977, she joined the faculty, later becoming a full professor in 1991. Judy was appointed Assistant Director of the Phytotron in 1979, eventually becoming Director in 1994. While directing the Phytotron, she worked with graduate students and during that time authored or co-authored 50 publications. In 2008, Judy retired as Director Emerita of the Phytotron. She was a member of Sigma Xi, the Botanical Society of America, serving as chair in 1994, and was an officer of the Committee on Controlled Environmental Technology from 1995-1997 and the chair from 1997- 1998. Judy had a great love of art and volunteered as a docent at the North Carolina Museum of Art for several years. She also loved traveling, cats, gardening, cooking, and the desert Southwest.
Sandy was born July 26, 1933, in Pinehurst, NC, to George Persons Thomas and Zora Lee Frye Thomas. After attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he went on to receive three postgraduate degrees. Sandy spent time serving his country as a clarinetist in the 101st Airborne Army Band. He became the Chaplain and Mary McN air Jones Professor of Religion at Peace College, Raleigh, NC, where he would eventually retire in 1999 after 34 years. Sandy loved being a Supply Pastor for numerous Presbyterian churches in NC, which he did for many Sunday during his career. He also loved the beach, surf fishing, cooking, Carolina football, cats, gardening, golf and most of all, people. The weekly sermons he wrote for Peace College Chapel reflected his great observation of people, human nature, and God’s love.
Sandy and Judy met in New Jersey at Princeton Theological Seminary, and they were married in 1965. They moved to Raleigh, NC, when Sandy took a position as chaplain and professor of religion at Peace College. In 2005, Sandy and Judy made their final move to Cary, NC, settling at Glenaire. Judy served as the Resident Association President from 2010-2012. At the time of her passing, she was serving as a member of the Glenaire Board of Trustees and as a member of the Development Committee. Sandy passed on March 17, 2013, and Judy continued to live at Glenaire until her passing on June 21, 2022. Judy is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jeffery and Lyn; brother, Joel; two nieces; and four nephews.
“Both Judy and Sandy found their move to Glenaire to be one of the best decisions they could have made. Unfortunately, Sandy’s health precipitated many difficult lifestyle changes, but he was made very comfortable in the community and was able to enjoy his final years with Judy free of worry,” shares Jeff Fey, Judy’s brother. “With Judy’s sudden passing, we were able to discover firsthand what a beautiful community she had built for herself. The kindness shown to us has been quite touching and it’s something we will never forget. We hope the Glenaire community will continue to prosper, and while doing that, will also enjoy Sandy’s 1949 Steinway baby grand piano that he and Judy lovingly took care of.”
“We are so grateful to Judy and Sandy for their generous and thoughtful gifts,” shares Ben Stevens, Executive Director of Glenaire. “We are touched that they chose to provide gifts that would help care for their neighbors and friends at Glenaire.”
Have You Thought About Investing in the Future of Glenaire?
Current and future gifts to Brightspire Foundation can be earmarked to support Glenaire in a way that reflects your philanthropic goals and priorities. Please contact Marisa Ray at (336) 886-6553, Ext. 5118 or mray@brightspire.org. Those who have made provisions to include the Foundation and Glenaire in their estate plans are invited to join the Glenaire Society.