MILTON - Carol Joan Buhl Thomas passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, after a long illness. Carol was born on June 15, 1929 in Plainsfield, N.J. to the late George and Mary (Cairns) Buhl. She spent most of her life in Sussex County, growing up in Millsboro and graduating from Millsboro High School in 1947. She graduated from Goldey College in Wilmington in 1949 and was a legal secretary for many years. She also worked as the Chief Deputy Prothonatary in the Sussex County Courthouse until her retirement from the county. After she married, she resided in Milton for the rest of her life, where she and her former husband, Norman Thomas owned a business downtown in the early 60's known as the Teenage Center/Pool Hall. She was a long-time member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. She was very involved in the community throughout her life, doing volunteer work at the church, serving as a Girl Scout leader, working at the polls on election days, and also being an active member of the Century Club to name a few. She loved Christmas and gardening and her home was on several garden tours and a Christmas home tour where she had her vast array of Santa Claus figurines on display. She was a worldwide traveler and visited Egypt, Hawaii, the Bahamas and almost every country in Europe as well as the majority of the USA. She was the ultimate hostess, entertaining friends and family in her home for many delicious meals. She is survived by her daughters, Robin L. Parker, and Michele (Joe) Guerin, both of Georgetown; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 29, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St. Milton, where friends may call after 6 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Milton Century Club, c/o Marie Johnson, 22135 Reynolds Pond Road, Ellendale, DE., 19941.