SMOAKS:     Mrs. Elva Upchurch Cook Thomas, wife for twenty-four years of Mr. Ray Thomas, passed away peacefully at her home late Friday evening, June 20, 2025 with her husband by her side.  She was 90.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Greenville, SC, September 13, 1934, a daughter of the late John Upchurch Sr. and the late Jessie Mae Simmons Upchurch.   She and her first husband, Furman Roy "Mickey" Cook, moved to Walterboro with their young family when they were employees of J.P. Stevens.  She was a dedicated employee for many years as a weaving instructor, until her retirement.  Mrs. Thomas was a member of Green Pond United Methodist Church, was an excellent seamstress, and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

In addition to her husband Ray, she is survived by her son, Chris Cook (Shaun), and by her daughter, Tina Bailey (Terry).  There are three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, and her first husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Monday evening, June 23, 2025, from 6:00 until 8:00, at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 11:00 in the chapel, with burial following at Glendale Memorial Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in her memory to the charity of one's choice.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home of Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.