This Mother’s Day, the Thomas Family Honors a Giant

May 6, 2026

Romaine B. Thomas, a 96-year-old Ward 5 community leader and educator, passed away on April 27, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service spanning over half a century. Throughout her life, she worked as an award-winning principal at Ketcham Middle School for 25 years, advocated for elderly residents, and fought to preserve local history during periods of neighborhood change.

Who is affected

Romaine B. Thomas's immediate family: son Harry Thomas Jr., daughter Debra Truhart, daughter-in-law Diane Romo Thomas, son-in-law Spillman K. Truhart Jr., eight grandchildren (including Kai Thomas), and six great-grandchildren
Former students and mentees from Crummell Elementary School and Ketcham Middle School
Ward 5 community members and residents of Ivy City and Woodridge neighborhoods
Colleagues from D.C. Commission on Aging, Woodridge Civic Association, and D.C. Historic Preservation Board
Students at Rocketship Infinity Prep (renamed in her honor)

What action is being taken

Harry Thomas Jr. is taking solace in memories of his mother as Mother's Day approaches. Kai Thomas is honoring her grandmother this Mother's Day by remembering her constant presence, support, and influence.

Why it matters

Romaine B. Thomas's death represents the loss of a multi-generational community pillar who dedicated her life to education, elder advocacy, and historic preservation in Ward 5. Her commitment to staying rooted in her community while gaining global perspective demonstrated how individuals can grow beyond their circumstances without abandoning their neighborhoods. Her legacy matters because she provided educational leadership for 25 years, influenced countless young people, preserved local history during gentrification, and modeled civic engagement through her service on multiple commissions and boards. She also created lasting family bonds across three generations, showing how professional achievement and family dedication can coexist.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer