Leri Melissa Thomas

Leri Melissa Thomas, 72, of Wolftown, died August 23, 2023, after a brief, but unyielding, confrontation with cancer. She never backed down from an adversary, and cancer was no exception.

Leri was extraordinarily well educated, having obtained both a master’s degree and a doctorate from the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development in social foundations of education/education psychology, with concentrations in history and research. She wrote her dissertation about institutional bullying and spent most of her adult life fighting bullies who threatened others’ rights, such as the right to vote, the right to property, and the right to protection as a victim or witness. In keeping with those convictions, over the years, she served in many different capacities as Chair of the Electoral Board for Madison County; as treasurer of the Madison County Republican Committee; as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Virginia Outdoors Foundation under Governor George Allen; and as the Director of Madison County’s Victim Witness Program. At the time of her death, she was also an active member of MadisonMatters and MadisonCares groups. Multiple articles of hers were published relating to the rights about which she was passionate. When asked what she would like to be remembered for, she replied simply, “Standing up for rights.”

She was extremely creative and artistic, having obtained a bachelor of liberal studies with concentrations in theatre design and American studies from the University of Mary Washington where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She employed her knowledge as a skilled seamstress and set designer by contracting with Woodberry Forest School for a number of years to design their theater sets.

She was an advocate of agritourism and small business in Madison County. Consequently, in her later years she was a superhost for two to three Airbnbs at a time, proving she had a keen sense for home improvement and interior design and a knack for networking, amassing acquaintances from around the world.

Leri is preceded in death by her beloved partner of over 30 years, James Jarrell and their canine son, Moonshine. When asked what her greatest possession was, she said, “My family.” Leri is survived by her daughter, Shyla (Kevin) Reilly, her granddaughter, Aspen Gorman, and many close friends who described her as “fiercely loyal.”

A celebration of Leri’s life and her contributions to the community will be held on Sunday, September 24, from 1-3 p.m. at the Rapidan Hunt Club.

Arrangements are entrusted to Batten Funeral Home of Ruckersville, Virginia.

An online guest book is available at www.battenfuneral.com.