Faye Willis Thomas

Faye Willis Thomas, 81, of Otway, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2025 at Carteret Health Care of Morehead City surrounded by her family.

A lifelong member of Otway Christian Church, Faye dedicated much of her life to service within her faith community. She served as an elder, Sunday School teacher, and Children's Church teacher, and was an active member of the church choir. Her commitment extended to helping with the Pioneer Club, where she supported youth programs with care and devotion.

Faye also contributed to her local community through education and emergency services. For 13 years, she worked as a substitute teacher in Carteret County Schools, sharing her time and knowledge with students across the district. In addition to her work in education, she served with Otway Fire and Rescue as a firefighter and rescue team member. Her leadership was recognized through promotions to Rescue Lieutenant and later Captain.

Faye's life was marked by dedication—to her church, her community, and those around her.

Her greatest accomplishment in life was being called ‘Ma’ by many. Among those who held a special place in her heart was a little girl named Emma Hernandez, who lovingly called her ‘Nana.’

“Job well done thy good and faithful servant”

A funeral will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Otway Christian Church with Pastor Jack Mumford officiating. Burial will follow at North River Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00PM on Saturday at the church. A livestreamed version of the funeral service will be available on Noefs.net.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Faye Cooper and husband, Steven of Longview, TX; son, Louis Gray Thomas III; of Otway; daughter, Raquel Ann Thomas of Otway; grandson, Cody Gray Thomas and wife, Crystal of Beaufort, NC; granddaughter, Katlyn Thomas of Otway; grandson, Nathan Thomas of Beaufort; grandson, Clay Thomas and significant other, Hailey Woods of Otway; great granddaughter, Bailee Thomas of Altus, OK; four great grandsons: Taylor and Matthew Thomas of Beaufort, Austin Hazelwood of Beaufort, Jake Thomas of Gretna, VA; brother, Tom Willis and wife, Faune of Otway; sister-in-law, Lois Hill of Morehead City, many nieces and nephews, and beloved fur baby Macie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Annie Mae Willis; her husband, Louis Gray Thomas; sister, Jean Jones; sister, Joyce Oglesby; brother, Billy Willis Jr.; sister, Lennie Willis; sister, Laura Kathryn Willis; granddaughter, Madison Thomas; and grandson, Adam Gillikin.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Otway Christian Church, 242 Gillikin Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.