May 11, 1927 – February 11, 2025
MANTEO — It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Marjalene Midgett Thomas, age 97, who peacefully left us on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in her cherished home on Roanoke Island, surrounded by her beloved children. Born in Manteo, NC, on May 11, 1927, Marjalene was the daughter of Samuel E. Midgett and Hazel Willis Midgett and the sister of Sam Midgett Jr.
Marjalene graduated as valedictorian from Manteo High School in 1944, where she was a member of the women’s basketball team. She then went on to attend Greensboro College, earning her bachelor’s degree in music in 1948. Following her graduation, Marjalene married Harry H. Thomas, the charming Navy serviceman she had met as a teenager at a USO dance.
Marjalene and Harry moved to Manteo and taught school in the Dare County School System before moving to Burlington, NC, where she became the music director at the Davis Street Methodist Church and taught elementary school.
In 1955, Marjalene and Harry moved to Elizabeth City with their newborn son, Hunt Thomas Jr. and 10 years later had their daughter, Barbara Dare Thomas. It was there that Marjalene began a 30-year career teaching elementary school in the Elizabeth City Pasquotank School System. She was an outstanding teacher, receiving awards such as NC Teacher of the Year, Who’s Who in American Education, Outstanding Service in the field of education by the Elizabeth City Pasquotank Schools, honored for her exceptional teaching by the governor of NC and was presented the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in 2022.
After retiring in 1988, she and Harry moved to Manteo to build their dream house in the place where their small summer cabin previously sat, up upon their beloved hilltop overlooking the Roanoke Sound. There, Marjalene’s love for teaching continued as she tutored students after school in her home for an additional 23 years.
Equally significant to her passion for teaching was Marjalene’s deep love for The Lost Colony. In 1937, when the show first premiered, Marjalene would sit in the costume shop with her grandmother, who was a costumer, and fall asleep beneath the sewing table during the performance. The following year, she began her extraordinary journey with the production, taking on the role of a flower girl for the Queen. From that moment, she was hooked. Over the next 50 years, Marjalene performed in The Lost Colony, portraying every female role except Agona. She is perhaps most renowned for her unforgettable portrayal of Eleanor Dare, a role she held for seven seasons. To this day, her image as Eleanor Dare can be found on postcards, programs, advertisements, websites, and within the History Center and Lost Colony Archives.
After many years performing on the Colony stage, she continued to be a loyal supporter and advisory for the show as a member of the board until 2016, when she was named Honorary Vice Chairman.
Her love of theatre also burned bright in Elizabeth City where she performed, directed and was a board member of the Albemarle Players. She was awarded best director for The Sound of Music and best performer for her role as Anna in the King and I.
Marjalene was widely admired for her beautiful soprano voice, which graced church choirs from the young age of 14. Her Christian faith and love for God remained a cornerstone of her life. Throughout her journey, Marjalene was a devoted member of several Methodist churches and always sang in the choir wherever she attended. For the past 37 years, she has been an active member of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church where she was part of the choir until 2023. Marjalene was baptized at Mount Olivet in a christening gown lovingly made by her grandmother, Mama Nannie, and 97 years later, her Celebration of Life will be held in the same church that has been such an important part of her life.
Marjalene was an active member of numerous organizations including the ladies teaching organization Delta Kapa Gama (70 years), Grand Chapter of the NC Order of the Eastern Star (75 yeas), the daughters of the American Revolution (Virginia Dare Chapter), the NC Retired Government Employees Association, the Outer Banks Opera Group and the Virginia Tillett Community Center.
Marjalene had an immense love for her family and friends. She found joy in entertaining, reading, music, theater, nature, and animals, and had a deep appreciation for flowers and plants. Traveling and seeing new places was also among her greatest passions. Marjalene explored much of the United States and traveled across the globe. For 21 years, she eagerly joined a local bus tour to New York City, where she enjoyed the magic of Broadway shows—a trip she looked forward to every year.
Marjalene was a force of boundless energy and unwavering positivity. She had the rare gift of making everyone feel like a friend, always greeting them with a warm hug. Beneath her loving, generous, and kind-hearted nature was a woman of unshakeable grit and strength. She lived her life with passion, purpose, and an unrelenting drive, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she met. Marjalene didn’t just live in the world, she made it a better place, transforming the lives of all who crossed her path.
Marjalene is survived by her son Harry Hunt Thomas Jr., daughter, Barbara Dare Hartwig, son-in-law, Timothy E. Hartwig, grandson, Jonathon Hunt Thomas, half-sister, Nancy Austin and half-brother Ted Midgett.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 14, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Twiford Colony Chapel and a Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, Sunday afternoon, February 16 at 2:00 pm, followed by a graveside service at Manteo Cemetery.
In honor of Marjalene Thomas, flowers will be accepted, or people can make donations in her name to Mount Olivet United Methodist Church (choir, food pantry or children’s ministry).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
