Althea McCoy Thomas, cherished coastal living

Althea McCoy Thomas of S. Bethany Beach passed away Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, peacefully with Jerry by her side. She was known to her family and friends as Tammy and in later years as Tam.

Tam was born June 2, 1945, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Althea and Paul McCoy. Tam's father was a Methodist minister and the family moved several times when she was growing up. They moved to Newark in the summer of 1962, right before her senior year of high school.

Tam graduated from Newark High School in 1963 and from UD class of 1967 with a degree in elementary education. She started her teaching career in Maryland and eventually taught in Virginia Beach, Va., for many years. She received her master's degree from the University of Virginia in special education.

Tam was loved by many, including her friends from Virginia Beach, Nellysford, Va., Salisbury, Md., and her home in South Bethany Beach. She maintained many friendships over the years, especially with her friends from Newark High School. She will be missed by her Newark High School friends, the group she often traveled with who loved and supported her, Judy, Nancy, Lauren and Marylane.

Tam was a watercolor artist. She proudly displayed her paintings in their beach home. Her family and friends enjoyed the creative Christmas cards she hand-painted over the years.

Tam reunited some years ago with her high school sweetheart, Jerry Wolf, and they moved to South Bethany Beach. Jerry was the love of her life, and they cherished living at the beach. Tam and Jerry took full advantage of their retirement years, taking many weekend getaways and a cruise to Alaska, and many trips around the United States. Their reunited love story was a gift to each other and all who shared in their lives.

Tam is survived by her beloved Jerry Wolf, her beloved son, Joshua (JP) Stewart; and her three much-loved granddaughters, Jane, Jill and Julia Stewart. She is also survived by her sister, Paula Jernigan and her son David of Pittsboro, N.C.; also surviving Tam is their much-loved dog, Marley, who visited her in Bayhealth Hospital.

A celebration of Tam's life will take place Saturday, June 3, in South Bethany Beach.  

Contributions may be made in memory of Tam Thomas to DESPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE  19947.