Verna Cathleen (Peyton) Thomas, 86, widow of Arthur James Thomas, of Churchville, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Shenandoah Hospice House in Fishersville.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Staunton, Virginia on November 30, 1939, a daughter of the late David Milton Peyton and Ida Catherine (Huggard) Peyton.

Verna retired from the Federal Government Weather Service, where she worked as a supervisor over computer operators. She was a faithful member of Mt. Salem Baptist Church and enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, including walking, gardening, traveling, and watching baseball.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Thomas was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy Cathleen Blume; and a brother, Clarence Eugene Peyton.

Surviving, is a son, Michael A. Thomas of Churchville; son, Arthur Thomas, Jr.; a son-in-law, Achim Blume; two brothers, James “Jim” Peyton of Alexandria and Roger Peyton and his wife, Charlita of Landover, MD; two sisters, Mary C. Peyton of Mt. Solon and Denise Miller of Richmond; four grandchildren, Shantel, Aaliyah, Emma and Zola; four great-grandchildren, Da’Shawn, Naima, Amari and Nyaira; special niece, Aronda Washington; numerous other nieces and nephews; and special friends, Margaret Morgan and Regina Canon.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026 in the Oaklawn Mausoleum by Pastor Byron Woods.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Sarah Kelley, Verna’s devoted caregiver, for the compassion, kindness, and care she so lovingly gave to Verna.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net