Roz Thomas, 68: Former Press Secretary for Then-Mayor Sam Massell

The Rev. Roz Thomas, age 68, of Abilene, TX, passed away on Dec. 14, 2013, at her home in Abilene.

Small in stature, Roz took on big challenges.  She set lofty goals and never considered anything but success. A graduate of Winthrop College in South Carolina, her education continued in life experiences, all of which resulted in growth and additional understanding of the human condition. Those included working as a waitress, driving a taxicab, being a civil rights activist in the deep South in the turbulent 1960’s and as a real estate agent.

Never one to slow down, she also completed Atlanta Law School, became a licensed attorney in Georgia, and worked as the press secretary for the then Mayor of Atlanta, Sam Massell.  Then, called to the ministry, Roz pursued an unconventional route that included ordination as an Episcopal Priest in Panama where she spent seven years. 

Upon returning to the United States, Roz, an active full-time Episcopal priest, again found challenges to pursue, including a hospital chaplain’s position at Scott and White in Temple, associate rector at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, chaplain at St. John’s Episcopal School, co-founder of the Abilene Inter-Faith Council, an adjunct professor at McMurry, vicar at Trinity Episcopal Church in Albany, and more.  Roz Thomas never stood on the sideline to watch and comment.  She jumped into life’s challenges with both feet.

Roz is survived by her brother, Braden Town, of Vancouver, British Columbia, who, along with the many people whose lives she touched, will miss her greatly.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Episcopal in Abilene, followed by inurnment in the Columbarium at the Church.  Arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. 

Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.