Elizabeth “Beth” Rives Thomas, 82, died on October 20 at Huntsville Hospital surrounded by her husband of 62 years, Jerry Thomas, and her sons, Scott and Stephen. Beth was born in Panama City Florida in August 1943 to Claudius Legrande Rives and Rhonda Meadows Rives.
In 1948, Beth moved with her family to Powderly, Alabama, where she attended Jones Valley High School. She was a good student and a varsity cheerleader. Upon graduation from Jones Valley in 1961 she worked in the auditing department of the First National Bank.
In June 1963, Beth married Jerry Thomas and moved to Huntsville, Alabama, which would remain her home for the remainder of her life. As a newlywed Beth supported her family by working in the aerospace and defense industry at Boeing, Thiokol, and Arinc Research. She found time to serve as a host at the newly opened Civic Center in Huntsville. Scott was born in 1969 and Stephen in 1973 and when the children were in school, Beth attended UAH and graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Accounting Degree. From 1983 to 1994, she worked at the Senior Center as an accountant.
Beth was a perfect mother of boys and spent hours of her life trailing her husband and boys to sporting events of all types. She was an avid Auburn fan since her husband, sons, and most of the grandkids attended there. But oh, how her life changed when those granddaughters came along. Beloved “Grandba”, her name to all the family in later years, she would light up when one called or visited. She paid equal attention to the grandsons.
Beth was a Christian from a young age. At both Southside Baptist and Whitesburg, Beth was involved in the Life Group activities. In her class for many years Beth planned a monthly social, some even out-of-state events.
Beth is survived by her husband, Jerry; sons, Scott (Jamie) and Stephen (Allison); sister, Jan Cox; brother, Legrande (Ann); and grandchildren, Reagan, Jackson, Aidan, Gage, Rushton Kate, Cannon, and Hattie; and grand dog, Max.
Visitation will be from 12 to 1 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Whitesburg Baptist Church South Campus. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor David Loyed officiating. There will be a private graveside service.
