Estelle “Estee” Smith Gano Thomas Obituary (1923 - 2021)

Estelle "Estee" Smith Gano Thomas, 98, of Gainesville, FL, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 25, 2021. She was born in Lenox, Georgia, on March 29, 1923, to William Henry Smith and Katie Mae Brooks Smith. Estelle served as secretary to the Quartermaster of the Florida National Guard in St. Augustine, Florida, for twenty years. She was an active member in her church all her life and was a member of Northwest Baptist Church in Gainesville. "Estee," as her close friends knew her, was also a skilled seamstress and loved to sew and make crafts. Estelle enjoyed fishing, was quite fond of Florida football, and was an avid reader. Her family enjoyed her quick wit, her sharpness and her many interests. She was preceded in death by her husband, Myrle M. Gano, husband, Carl T. Thomas, and six siblings. She is survived by her two daughters: Cheryl (Jim) Gano Unwin, and Sally (David) Gano Jones; six grandchildren: Heather (Ray) Unwin Bongers, Erin Purdy Kowall, James Unwin, John (Kristin) Purdy, Matt Purdy, Jonathan (Krissy) Unwin, and eight great grandchildren. Estelle's funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Milam Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Josh Tillman officiating. Burial will follow at Tompkins Cemetery, Lochloosa, Florida. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Haven Hospice in Estelle Thomas' name. Arrangements are in the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 S. Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 376-5361 www.milamfh.com