With heartfelt sympathy and reverence, we honor the beautiful life and enduring legacy of Mrs. Grace Ellen Brown Thomas, who peacefully entered eternal rest on February 22, 2026, and was reunited with her Lord and Savior.

Born on January 24, 1942, to the late Monroe and Harriet Brown, Grace accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Centralia Baptist Church. After marrying her beloved husband of 56 years, Mr. James Thomas, Sr., she faithfully continued her Christian walk at Union Grove Baptist Church. There, she served diligently on the Usher Board, Women's Ministry, and Golden Circle Ministry, reflecting her unwavering faith and servant's heart.

Grace attended Carver High School and devoted herself to motherhood with love and sacrifice. Encouraged by her family, she later earned her GED and built a strong work ethic through her employment at Nichols Department Store, Sola Optical (formerly Coburn Optical), and Titmus Optical. Never one to stop striving, Grace pursued further education and graduated from dentistry school as a dental assistant. She was also a proud and active member of the Alease Cooley Memorial United Order of Tents and Electa Chapter #7 O.E.S., holding numerous leadership roles.

Choosing family above all, Grace retired early to become a homemaker and devoted grandmother, lovingly caring for her cherished grandchildren - her "special hearts." She found joy in cooking for her family, chatting with her sister across the driveway, enjoying sweets, and watching her favorite soap operas, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Grace was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Thomas, Sr.; her sisters, Marilyn V. Thomas (her best friend), Laura Turner, Marie Hillard and Dorothy Brown; sons-in-law, Kenneth L. Pope and Roland C. White; great grandson, Thomas Page; special brother-in-law, Harold L. Thomas; special sister-in-law, Ernestine Thorpe; and her godson, Nathaniel Thorpe.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her four devoted children, Viola Pope, Grace M. White, James Thomas, Jr. (Carisa) and Thelma T. Brown (Julian "Sonny"); nine grandchildren, Kenisha Pope, Ceneeka Timms (Keith "Keke"), Jamie Lofton, Terra Lofton, Cherese Pope, Krystal Page, Noah White (Haleigh), Nicole and Nigel Brown; two bonus grandsons, Lamonte and Landon Hardy; eight great grandchildren, Jayden Lofton, Jordon Lofton, Jahlil Lofton, Milani Lawhorn, Jada Lofton, Kastiel Page, Keely Timms and Kaya White; four godchildren, Monica Thomas-Moore (Andre), Denise Weldon (Robert), Jeanetta Thomas (Patrick) and Siobhan Thomas-Eddleton (Raymond); sisters, Louvenia Shaw, Mattie Brown and Pearline Washington; sisters-in-law, Arlene Wilson, Delores Goode, Alma Kemper and Virginia King; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Union Grove Baptist Church, 19111 Church Road, South Chesterfield, VA, the Rev. Dr. William E. Johnson III, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5774158?fl=so&fe=fs