On February 6, 2021 Camille (Mickey) Thomas’s resilient and optimistic spirit joined with that of her husband, Selden A.McCrumb. A most loving matriarch, Mickey is survived by five children: Chuck Troup, Tom Troup (Gloria Foley-Troup), Catherine LaPenta (Thomas), Martha Troup-Mayforth (Pete),Rob Troup (Lesley),one stepdaughter, Lynda Bernhard, and nine grandchildren: Elizabeth Tedrick (Ty), Tyler Mayforth, Dante LaPenta (Amanda), Zachary LaPenta (Andy), Kyle Troup, Trevor Troup, Riley Freeman (Gavin), Hunter Troup (Anna) and Jonathan Troup, and four great-grandchildren Carmine and Camille LaPenta, and Jack and Ava Tedrick. She is also survived by her sister Roberta Smith. In addition to her husband, Mickey was predeceased by her fourth-born, Arthur Raymond Troup, who died shortly after birth, and stepdaughter, Patricia McCrumb.
Mickey’s family thanks Rockland Place and Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness to her during the last few years and days of her life.
Mickey was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 17, 1931 to Dr. Charles Auburn and Ava Naomi Thomas. Her “Tar Heel” pride manifested with delight in a Holden Beach sunset or by the joyful singing of the North Carolina state song when crossing its border. The re-emergence of a southern accent when speaking with cherished siblings, nieces and nephews was as charming as it was predictable. Mickey attended Meredith College as a math major, and then learned computer programming while raising five children as a single mother. Mickey’s strong work ethic led to a successful career at E. I. DuPont de Nemours as an Information Systems supervisor. Her ability to write condensed code at a time when data space was extremely limited was a point of pride, and her ‘can-do’ attitude remains a model for all.
Examples of her love of family were the individual trips with grandchildren for their own unique adventure. A special memory is the grandchildren’s New Year’s Eve sleepovers, capped off by a theatrical presentation, directed by her and performed by the “G-Ma Players”. She was the one with the loudest applause at the numerous plays, musicals, band and sporting events that nine grandchildren invariably provide.
Mickey volunteered with Meals-on-Wheels, Child, Inc., and the Medical Center of Delaware. She served as treasurer for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and enjoyed the many friends she made through her stock investment club and PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization). Mickey loved family reunions, gardening, and traveling, touring both in and out of the United States with assorted family and friends. This final journey leaves behind many with gratitude for the life and love that shaped them.
A funeral service will be held February 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1314 Foulk Road, Wilmington, Delaware. Due to COVID restrictions, the service must be limited to immediate family members. However, for those friends who are comfortable attending, please join Mickey’s family in a socially distanced Memorial Luncheon to be held Saturday February 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon at Harry’s Savoy Grill, 2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington, Delaware.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Delaware’s Child, Inc.
