Carol Louise Rhodes Thomas

Carol Louise Rhodes Thomas, 82, passed away on March 26, 2026.

Carol began her life journey on June 23,1943 as the first-born child of Nellie Mae Baker and Lloyd Henry Rhodes. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Carol’s journey would carry her to Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; and Worcester, MA before her return to her final resting place in Louisville, KY in April 2026. During her journey Carol married Willie James Thomas and they would be blessed with four children: Dara Richards (Earl), Babatunde Thomas (Elizabeth), Osei Thomas (Amy Smith) and Omari Thomas.

Carol accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized at Grace Presbyterian Church. Carol graduated from Louisville Male High School as Salutatorian. She continued her education with an undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville with a Math major and a Physics

minor and postgraduate studies from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. Carol started her career as a computer programmer for Cincinnati Bell and later South Central Bell and had a long and successful career as a Senior Computer Staff Analyst until her retirement.

Carol was a quiet and soft-spoken person, yet a devoted supporter of her children, especially when it came to their education. She committed herself to building a strong educational foundation for them, regularly taking them to the library and supporting their participation in sports and extracurricular activities.

Carol also raised her granddaughter, Angelique, from age 15 months through her sophomore year of high school and they had a strong bond. Folks said she brightened up when she got to raise her granddaughter as she loved being in the lives of her children and, then, her grandchild.

Carol cherished family time, including fishing trips that left her trophy bass on the wall in Alabama as a lasting memory. She loved to read, play board and computer games, watch and go to the movies, and listen to many types of music. She also spent endless hours, both as a child and an adult, on crossword and jigsaw puzzles.

Carol was preceded in death by her sister, Anita, and brother, Lawrence.

Carol is survived and will be missed by her husband, children, and two remaining siblings, Joann and Glenn. Carol will also be missed by her grandchildren, Yusef, Joshua, Gabriel, Angelique, and Jacob; her great-grandchildren, Josiah and Megan; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends.

While Carol’s earthly journey has ended, we know that her heavenly journey has just begun as she walks with God and the relatives that preceded her to God’s everlasting embrace. Carol’s spirit will live on in those that loved her. Heaven has gained a very sweet soul.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 pm/Noon on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (235 Juneau Drive Louisville, KY 40243). with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

To share a memory of Carol or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.