Joyce Thomas

Dr. Joyce Thomas, 77, of Athens, Georgia, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and brilliant physician, passed peacefully in her sleep on the evening of November 12, 2025. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Joyce was born on July 4, 1948, in Kerala, India—a fitting birthday for someone who went on to embrace the world with independence and determination. She was the eldest daughter of K.M. Thomas and Accamma John and spent her early childhood in Chennai, India. Even as a young girl, Joyce showed a spirit of adventure. At age twelve, she accompanied her aunt through the Middle East and Europe before spending a year studying in Indiana. That year abroad opened her eyes to the wider world and planted the seeds of a life filled with global curiosity.

After returning to India, she went on to earn her medical degree from Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore. She then returned to the United States, where she completed pathology, dermatopathology, and dermatology residencies.

In 1974, Joyce married her classmate, Dr. Bobby Mathew Thomas. They moved to Athens in 1980 and became longtime attendees of Beech Haven Baptist Church. With a mutual passion for travel, they explored more than 90 countries together.

In 1986, Joyce opened her dermatology practice in Athens and became the first female dermatologist in the city. Over more than three decades of caring for patients, she became known not only for her clinical expertise but also for her warmth.

Joyce remained deeply connected to her Indian heritage, actively participating in community events in Athens and Atlanta. Outside of medicine, she delighted in dancing, nature walks, pilates, and lively conversations with friends.

Above all, Joyce cherished her family. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dr. Bobby Thomas; her children, Dr. Roshan Ramlal (Richard) of Suwanee, Georgia, and Nisha Dearborn (Jay) of Yarmouth, Maine; and her grandchildren, Karina (17), Kavya (14), Kaiden (13), and Kiran (12), who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her sisters, Alice Varghese, Grace Mathews, and Jessie Thomas.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road, Watkinsville, Georgia. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m., led by Dr. Stewart Simms, the family’s longtime pastor. Interment at Evergreen Memorial will be private. Fellowship time for family and friends will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Lord and Stephens.

For those wishing to honor Joyce’s memory, flowers may be sent to Lord and Stephens, or donations may be made to one of the many organizations she supported, the Northeast Georgia Food Bank (https://foodbanknega.org/support-us/).

Lord and Stephens WEST, Watkinsville is in charge of making arrangements.

Lordandstephens.com