The Rev. Kathryn “Kathie” Davis Thomas died on October 14, 2022, at the age of 78.
Kathie was born on January 3, 1944, in Wilmington DE to William (Bill) and Grace. She was the middle of three girls. The First Unitarian Church of Wilmington was the center of her family’s social life. Kathie grew up participating in the social action projects of the church, played her flute at services on Sundays, and attended Unitarian events at Rowe Camp, Star Island, and youth conferences. She often spoke at Youth Sundays.
Kathie was a passionate learner. She did well in school and was always given responsibilities, such as teaching classes for younger grades. In 1965, she graduated from Mount Holyoke College, MA with her Bachelor of Arts in Zoology following which she received her Master of Arts in Teaching (Biology,1966) from Johns Hopkins University, MD. After completing her master’s degree, she worked as a high school biology teacher for three years, as a parenting instructor for 15 years, and then as a classroom management instructor for four years.
In 1987, she decided to become Director of Religious Education at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. Kathie had done intense work at the church over the years and wanted to deepen her spiritual journey. The lifetime of support, loving guidance, and experiences in that church led her to the decision to become an ordained minister. Following this call, she earned her Master of Divinity from Lancaster Theological Seminary, PA in 1996.
She served the Wilmington church as a DRE for six years and then became their student minister, still holding the RE portfolio and adding preaching, counseling, and leadership of special projects. She was involved in policy discussions and other significant decisions in the life of the congregation.
Rev. Thomas was ordained on April 22, 1996, by the church in which she grew up, First Unitarian Society of Wilmington, DE. She served her first ordained ministry at the UU Fellowship of Harford County, Churchville MD (1996–1998). She worked to strengthen the Committee on Ministry and put clear policies in place. During her tenure, the church grew from 100 adult members and 70 children/youth to 167 adult members and 100 children/youth.
From 1998 to 1999, Rev. Thomas served the Cedar Lane UU Church, Bethesda MD as an interim associate minister. At Cedar Lane, she supervised and trained the pastoral associates, provided ministerial pastoral care, and instituted a covenanting process for the ministers, the Board, and the committees.
At the Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon PA (1999–2001), Rev. Thomas oversaw the Lifespan Religious Education program and worked to empower, train, and support the committees and teachers. Likewise, during her ministry at the First Unitarian Society of Plainfield NJ (2001–2003), she helped with the structural changes to the organization of committees and provided insights on needed changes. She shared her knowledge of managing conflict with the congregation and helped develop healthy responses to conflict and crises. She also contributed significantly to the Adult RE program, RE committee, music program, and other program areas for members of all ages. The congregation grew in all aspects of church life.
Rev. Thomas’ talent, creativity, energy, and compassion helped congregations during periods of major transition. She was exceptional in her conflict management skills and elevated the congregations to a level of harmony and growth. She provided good sermons; her worship services were thematically diverse with music integrated effectively, a good balance between ritual and intellect, and emphasized meditation. Her deep sense of religious connection inspired children, youth, and adults.
Rev. Thomas was active in the denomination serving on the board of Murray Grove Camp and Conference Center (NJ). She was Vice President of the UUMA-PK Minister’s Chapter (2000–2001).
In addition to her ministry and denominational work, she served the community as President of the Cherrington Civic Association, DE (1986–1990) and as a Program Chair of the Delaware Valley Religious Educators (1988–1994). She wrote and edited “A Prayer Book” a collection of prayers for children and was a contributor to REACH (Religious Education Clearing House).
In her leisure time, Kathie enjoyed music (playing flute, singing, and listening), nature and biology, walking, reading, swimming, beachcombing, sailing, sewing and needlework, travel, theatre, and movies. Her daughter Karin shared, “My mother was always surrounded by music and her love of telling children?s stories.”
Kathie is survived by her daughters, Dr. Karin E. Thomas, and Dr. Kristin “Kris” T. Nagy; husband, Daniel; granddaughter, Elise; sister, Margaret D. Porter and husband James Porter; niece, Susan Smith; and nephew Richard Strand, Jr.; grand-nieces; grand-nephews; and a grand-grand-nephew. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Davis Strand.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, 730 Halstead Road, Wilmington DE 19803.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington with “In Memory of Rev. Kathryn D. Thomas” in the memo. Contributions will go to the children and youth religious education program at the church. Condolence cards may be sent to Schoenberg Memorial Chapel, 519 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington DE 19809.
