Cherry Dawn Thomas

Thomas, Cherry Dawn, 74, of Richland Township, Johnstown, received her heavenly promotion peacefully at home on Saturday morning, September 26, 2026. Born November 16, 1951 in Johnstown. Cherry was the daughter of the late Alvin “Don” Cameron and Margie (Rummel) Cameron. She graduated from Ferndale High School in 1969 and spent much of her working life in the banking industry. Over the years, she worked for Dale, Moxham, U.S. Bank, and First National Bank—and, given the length of her career, the family is fairly certain there may be another bank or two unintentionally left off the list. Whatever the name on the building, Cherry was the consummate professional and took great pride in her work. On May 5, 1973, Cherry married Robert “Bob” Thomas at Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren. Together, they built a marriage, a family, and a life firmly rooted in their Christian faith. Cherry and Bob raised their family as members of Scalp Level Church of the Brethren and later Scalp Level Covenant Brethren Church. They served the Lord together as church deacons and through their involvement with numerous church committees, teams, and study groups. Above all else, Cherry was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and woman of faith. Her Christian beliefs were not simply something she professed; they were a foundation upon which she lived her life. She loved her family deeply, supported them faithfully, and—when necessary—made certain they knew exactly how something could be done just a little bit better. Family members knew this guidance well. Cherry possessed what became affectionately known as the “Cherry Finger”—a pointed finger that appeared whenever a job, decision, or situation needed a little correction or improvement. She always delivered it with love, and the family never missed a chance to tease her about it. Those who knew Cherry best will undoubtedly smile remembering that finger appearing at just the right moment. She was an original 1970s and 1980s Tupperware sales lady. Over the years, she accumulated a personal Tupperware collection that was truly something to behold. Fortunately, she put at least some of it to good use. Cherry developed what her family considers perhaps the best apple pie and chocolate chip cookie recipes imaginable. The family would like to believe those pies and cookies were lovingly distributed to friends in all that Tupperware, but somehow, they rarely lasted long enough to make it out of the house. Following retirement, Cherry found what may have been the greatest calling of her life: being “Mamaw” to Spencer and Jillian. Few things brought her greater joy or pride. She delighted in Spencer’s swimming accomplishments and would beam as Jillian “tickled the ivories” on the old dance-hall upright piano or pump organ. Her grandchildren had a special place in her heart, and the happiness they brought her was evident to anyone fortunate enough to see them together. Cherry is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert Thomas; son, Aaron Thomas, husband of Sara (Liles) Thomas, of Cary, North Carolina; daughter, Marcie, wife of Patrick Kovalsky, and grandchildren Spencer and Jillian, all of Johnstown; brothers Marvin, husband of Ruth, of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and Alan, husband of Debbie, of Fishersville, Virginia; sisters-in-law Eleanor, wife of James Krug, and Nancy Dixon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Cherry was preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Sheldon Thomas and Jean (Schmidt) Thomas; daughter-in-law, Constance Fazekas; and brother-in-law, Bernard Dixon. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Caring Hands of Wilma’s House, Grane Hospice, AceraCare Hospice, and the many family members and friends whose kindness, care, prayers, visits, and support sustained Cherry and her family throughout the past several years. Those wishing to remember Cherry might do so in the way she would probably appreciate most: have faith in the Lord, spend time with your family and friends, listen to an old hymn such as “In the Garden” or “How Great Thou Art,” and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. And yes—eat that slice of pie. Friends received 10 am to time of service at 11 am Thursday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland. Rev. Mark Murchie, officiating. Private interment at Richland Cemetery.