Ruth "Esther" Smith Thomas

Ruth “Esther” Smith Thomas, age 93 of Laurinburg departed this life for her Heavenly home on January 16, 2026.

Esther was born May 1, 1932 in Tampa, Florida, loving daughter of the late George and Fannie E. Morgan Smith. She and her late husband, John were the co-owners of the former One Hour Cleaners serving Scotland County and surrounding counties for many valued years. She truly loved her customers and the relationships they built. Esther served as a faithful longtime member of Central Global Methodist Church. She loved her work within the community, volunteering with the Sandhills Emmaus Walk and Scotland Regional Hospice. Esther was also a member of the Red Hat Society and the Scotch Meadows Ladies Golf Association. She enjoyed playing a round of golf, a good game of bridge or bingo, and bowling.  Above all, Esther was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend who will be dearly missed.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her adored husband of 61 years, John D. Thomas; and sister, Lauretta Ball.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Sherry Osborn (Bob), and Terri Lemmond (Paul) each of Laurinburg; adored grandchildren, Angela Jones (Mike), Jonathan Lemmond (Marissa); great-grandchildren, Shyann Monte, Sadie Lemmond, Rowan “Jr” Lemmond; and great-great grandchild, Kamden Locklear. She also leaves behind her loving extended family and devoted friends.

The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Global Methodist Church. 

Visitation will be held prior to services on Saturday, January 31, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Memorial donations are requested to be given to Central Global Methodist Church or Scotland Regional Hospice. 

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