GREENSBORO, N.C. – Barbara Hutchins Thomas, 77, died Friday, Sept. 24, at Moses Cone Hospital.

Mrs. Thomas was born in Lakeland, Fla., Jan. 3, 1927, a daughter to Carroll and Dorcas Hutchins.

She spent most of her childhood in Lewiston and Union. She started her equestrian career, guided by her mother, and was the first Maine Junior rider to be eligible to compete at Madison Square Garden.

She graduated with a B.A. degree from the University of Vermont in 1948. She married Camp Lee Thomas in 1952, and in 1956 they moved their family to Greensboro, N.C.

She was a founding member of the Sedgefield Presbyterian Church on Wayne Road, though she had not remained an active member. She belonged to the American Horse Show Association and the Sedgefield Fox Hunt for many years. She ran a riding school for over 40 years, the last 30 years at Sedgfield Stables. For many years, she operated Cambarth Kennels, raising German Shepards for the obedience and show ring, as well as for military service in Vietnam.

Mrs. Thomas shared her loved for all animals, especially horses, with her family and many equestrian friends. She also was an accomplished artist, photographer and had a deep love for music, especially Big Band.

She is survived by her children; Sue Thomas-Rilling, D.V.M., and husband, Russ Rilling, D.V.M., of Madison, N.C., Scott Thomas, of St. Louis, Mo., Gale Goodman, and husband, Mark Goodman, D.M.D., of New Milford, N.J., Jeff Thomas, and wife, Cathy Brooks, Thomas, and wife, Susan, both of Greensboro, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Julie Rilling, Philip Thomas, Mike and Chandler (CJ) Thomas.

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