Berta Frances Williams Thomas

Berta Frances Williams Thomas passed away on March 3, 2022 while in residence at Parkview Health and Rehabilitation Center, Chapel Hill, NC.

Mrs. Thomas was born June 19, 1923 to parents Paul and Lydia Williams. She was a devoted mother and a loyal friend to many. Quiet by nature but whip smart, she was Valedictorian of her Sanford High School class of 1941. With that distinction came a Jr. College scholarship but World War II was raging and like so many of her generation chose to remain close to home and support her family.

She was an active member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Sanford where she sang in the choir for over 30 years. She was a former member of the local Business & Professional Women’s Club. Her first job out of school was with Cross and Brinn Insurance and her first job after marriage was at the Sanford Savings and Loan. When her children came along, she worked part time in the library at Greenwood Elementary School and the Lee County Board of Education. Throughout her married life she was also a valuable business partner with her husband, Harry C. Thomas, in running TopNotch Building Supply and Harry Thomas Real Estate. Mom acquired her real estate license in her 70’s and passed the state exam the first time around. She volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels program in later years. She was passionate about gardening and reading. She enjoyed spending time at the local library in search of the next good book. She was a talented seamstress and took pride in creating outfits for her three daughters. And such a fabulous cook. With a pinch of this and that, she created scrumptious dishes with ease. She will always be remembered for her unrelenting kindness and caring attitude.  She was a loyal friend to everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harry C. Thomas, and sisters Blanche McBryde, Virginia Taylor, Sophia Johnson and brother Ed Williams.

She is survived by her brother Ben Williams of Moncure, NC and her children Donald E. Thomas (Anna) of Hilton Head, SC; Janice T. Engelhardt (Dave) of Durham, NC; Carol Winer (Mike) of Hopkinton, MA; Dianne Thomas of Matthews, NC and her two grandchildren Conrad Thomas, of Portland, OR and Lauren Winer of Boston, MA.  She is also survived by two grandkitties, Lincoln and Houdini.

Memorial services will be held at St. Luke United Methodist Church on Friday, March 25 at 2 pm in the chapel.  Family visitation will be held at 1 pm in the parlor prior to the service.  A private interment will follow the service at Buffalo Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of Liberty Hospice for the love and care they showed our mother in her final months. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to St. Luke United Methodist Church 2916 Wicker Street, Sanford, NC 27330..