Dorothy Mae Thomas

Obituary For Dorothy Mae Thomas

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mrs. Dorothy Mae Thomas was born on November 2, 1928 to the late Mrs. Edna Elizabeth Hooker Denson in the Stoney Hill Community (Pleasant Garden)
Guilford County, North Carolina. Affectionately known as “Dot” to many, she was educated in the Guilford County School System and attended
Rena Bullock and J.C. Price Schools. As a young child, she was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church where she was baptized in the early 1950’s. She later joined Saint James Baptist Church of Greensboro. Dedicated to her church, Mama loved hearing the
Word of God and was a diligent servant at her church until her health declined. Mama loved being a Deaconess, serving alongside our dad, the
late Deacon Richard Thomas Jr. In addition to serving on numerous committees, Mama was a Missionary and choir member. Being named Mother of Saint James Baptist Church, where she had attended most of her life, was such an honor. She assumed this role seriously and often shared her wisdom and knowledge concerning women’s health and other issues with congregants. As a cancer survivor at age 79, she was passionate about encouraging others in the challenge against this disease. Mama faithfully attended Sunday services and Bible study weekly and Vacation Bible School each year. Mama continued attending weekly Sunday services and Bible Studies on social media despite the pandemic. She
respected, served and loved her church, Pastor, Reverend Dr. Jerome Lee Jr. and First Lady Cynthia Lee.

Mom was a member of the Sunflowers Club for Widowers which was founded at St. Thomas Chapel in Summerfield, NC for many years.

Married April 8, 1945, you would often hear our parents calling each other by their pet names: Mom was Dad’s “Honey Babe”, and he was her “Lover
Boy”. They were the King and Queen of “Bid Whist” and Mama could beat everybody in Chinese Checkers. Their mutual love and steadfast
commitment was inspiring. After 50 years, mom and dad renewed their vows in 1995. Oh, what a celebration! Mom looked so beautiful and was
elated as she strolled down the aisle to meet Dad.

A domestic worker for most of her life, Mom later received her Home Health Care Certification with Guilford County Department of Social Services
where she received numerous commendations for her excellent service. You could often find mom in Goodwill purchasing bed linen, clothing, sheets, toiletries, and other supplies in hopes to make those she cared for comfortable. She was concerned for the underprivileged and impoverished. She made a tremendous impact on all she encountered, but
most of all her family. This was a demonstration of how empathetic our
Mom was. After retiring, Mom worked as a Crossing Guard at David D. Jones Elementary School in the Guilford County School System. She was also a member of the Sunflowers Club for Widowers that met at St. Thomas Chapel in Summerfield, NC for many years.

She epitomized the Proverbs 31 Woman…. whose husband praised her and her children called her “blessed”. Extremely crafty, Mom was always
doing something with her hands and had the ability to fix anything.

Mama was a great cook and was known for her famous Old- Fashioned Sweet Potato Pies. Mama did not go a day without reading the Greensboro News and Record. She would always have an article circled
and ready for you to read on most visits. She also loved reading other local and national news, as well as being a faithful reader of the Word of God.
She could tell you everything from the price of Medicare to the price of Tea in China. She was so knowledgeable, and her expectations were that
those around her would also be. She set the bar high for her children and did not accept mediocrity. Another proud moment for Mama was when she
proudly casted her voted for the first black President, Barack Obama. Mama taught us to have self-respect and carry the Thomas and Hooker names proudly. She looked forward to attending the Annual Hooker
Family Reunion to spend time with her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Richard Thomas Jr, her only sister, Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Hairston, and grandson Paul Spencer Jones III.

Mama leaves to cherish her memory, children, Willie E. Thomas, (Darlene); Doris T. Maryland (George); Reverend Dr. Frances T. Rogers (Pastor Michael B.); Rev Dr. Richard S. Thomas Sr. (Patricia); and, Patricia T. Jones; 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; niece Mrs. Geraldine Brown, loving cousins, church family, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

A life well lived Mama took the Master’s hand and entered eternal life on Saturday, October 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 12 pm at St. James Baptist Church, 536 W. Florida Street, Greensboro, NC. Visitation at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park.

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