Reflections:

The Legacy of Glancy P Thomas

NURSING SCHOOL

"I met Glancy in 1961, the first day of our nursing school class. She entered LATE. We then figured if she could come in Mrs. Adell Butts room late, she would make a good president, and not knowing anyone in the room, she became our class president! She was energetic and smart. Deloris Cooper and I became friends with her. Now, it was early in the Civil Rights Movement and she was ready. You had to follow Glancy, because she wouldn't take "no" for an answer. She was never at a loss for words. That mouth got us in and out of a lot of trouble. Now could you see us sitting up in Kress department store for breakfast and not getting served? After mighty mouth got through, and the police came, we had the best breakfast they ever served! We remained friends through the years...Lois and I was with her during her illness, caring and loving as always. Those were some of the most beautiful days...She continued to give orders and make us laugh. She will always be in our hearts."

~Alma "Alease" Riley (fellow Nursing School Student, Friend of 50+ years)

HAIRMASTERS BEAUTY SALON

"Glancy was my hairdresser for many years when I lived in Wilmington and even for a while after I had moved to Greensboro. One thing for sure, you could always count on Glancy for good conversation about politics, education, and fun. If you didn't have anything to say by the time she finished asking questions, you would have told her your whole life story. Glancy will truly be missed but I know God has another plan and she will be just as busy for Him as she was here on earth. RIP"

~Laura Cockerham (former client)

"A loving and funny friend, family member is gone. I considered Glancy my rock...if God forbid Alma was to fall ill, but that is no longer to be. I will and I do miss her. She made me laugh and gave good advice. She would really listen to you when you talked to her, she had a way of looking directly into your eyes when you talked to her. I admired that she was a smart lady , a loving mother, and business woman. Glancy you are with our Lord and knowing this I am comforted and my heartache lessens. Love your spirit always!!"

~Merinda "Poochie" Horton (Alease' niece, dear family friend)

CITY OF WILMINGTON: COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

ST LUKE AME ZION CHURCH

"All I can say is that when I heard the name 'Glancy Thomas,' it made me smile, and I knew it was something positive that was following...she would tell you something to help yourself. Growing up in St. Luke AME Zion church, she always picked on me for some reason, but actually, she was coming down to my age level and that way, we understood each other -- 'the Glancy System' lol. . . so I said that to say this: she was old-school, AND she knew what was going with the new generation of today. Miss you Mrs. Thomas, but your spirit still lives in all of us!!"

~Byron Lampkins (church member/musician/friend)