Tomie Troxler

Thomasene (Tomie) Cates Troxler, of Trinity Oaks, formerly of Richmond Road, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 11, 2018.   She was born on September 3, 1925 in Raleigh, NC to the late Charles Gilmore Cates and Addie Long Cates. She graduated from St. Mary’s Episcopal High School, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received her master’s degree in language arts at UNC-Charlotte.  Tomie has several stars of endless love in her heavenly crown—love that felt no boundaries. One such love was ART, with watercolor being her favorite medium, and delicate, free-flowing flowers, her favorite subject matter. Tomie worked regularly in her studio and became distinguished in the art world by being awarded membership in the N.C. Watercolor Society, the Southern Watercolor Society and Georgia Watercolor Society. She loved sharing her art with friends and fellow art-lovers.   Another Love was EDUCATION. She retired from teaching elementary education in Salisbury-Rowan School System, and continued teaching art and reading at Sacred Heart Catholic School. No student ever left her classroom without feeling important.   Another star of love was FAMILY. Lovingly known as “Mama T”.  Tomie enjoyed her two daughters, and even more, her six grandchildren, and most of all, her seven great-grandchildren! Whatever interest her family had, Mama T shared her excitement for learning while rejoicing in each child’s progress, no matter how big or small.   There could be no question about Tomie’s FAITH that was nutured at First Presbyterian church where she was a member of the choir, Karl Hales Sunday School Class, and Presbyterian Women. She loved her Lord deeply, prayed continuously and cherished always His promises of peace and eternal life.   Tomie is survived by her beloved husband, Roger (Buddy) Troxler and a sister, Juanita Cates Anderson  of Raleigh; two daughters, Bonnie Troxler Graham (Jim Beall) of Linwood and Teri Troxler Willis (Jeffrey) of Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Jim Beall Graham (Katie) of Austin, Texas, charlotte Gingerelli (Marc) of Raphine, Virginia, Emory Valley (Tom) of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Salem (Tony) Elswick of Tampa, florida and Jeffrey Willis of New Orleans, Louisiana; great-grandchildren, James, Elliot, Anna Lucy, Francie, and Eliza Cates, Sebastian and Ezra James.   A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, February 17, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury with Dr. Randy Kirby officiating. The family will receive friends at the home on Richmond Road, Salisbury from 5:00 until 7:00 PM Friday evening February 16, 2018.   Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 308 Fisher Street, Salisbury, NC 28144 or to Salisbury Symphony Orchestra, 204 East Innes Street, Salisbury, 28144.