Thomas, Christa Charlotte

Christa Charlotte Thomas, age 75, of Blacksburg died, Sunday, June 15, 2014, at Lewis Gale Hospital-Montgomery. She was born in Berlin, Germany on October 8, 1938 to the late Helmuth and Eli Herrmann. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Rosita Jacob. She retired from Virginia Tech after 38 years of service, as a Graduate Program Coordinator in the Physics Department, where she was heavily involved with the International Student Organization. During her time at Virginia Tech, Thomas’ contributions to the Department of Physics positively impacted the lives of all who have had the pleasure of knowing her. Her efforts span the tenures of eight department heads and chairs, and have helped the graduate careers of many students. She was known by her colleagues as the “soul” of the department. In addition to her own professional success, Thomas inspired others. She was known for her personal investment in the well-being of her students and demonstrated unwavering compassion toward those who needed her most. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Kirsten and Nick Miles, of Charlottesville, VA, one son, Brendan Pirie, of Moorefield, WV, three grandchildren, Brendan Miles, Michelle Miles, and Corey Lawrence, her nieces, Lena, Andrea, and Jara, and her nephew, Frank. Memorial serves will be held at 5:30 pm on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Donaldson Brown Building at Va Tech. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tupelo Press TeenWriting Center, at http://twc.tupelopressva.org/ Tupelo Press P. O. Box 1767 North Adams, MA 01247 in honor of her granddaughter, Michelle. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.