"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Our beloved mother, grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend, Thelma DeBerry Thomas, 101, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. She was born on June 17, 1924 in Chesterfield, SC to the late Viola DeBerry Watson and Fletcher Hillian.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Homer B. Thomas, Sr.; son, Homer B. Thomas, Jr.; grandson Darrell B. Thomas; granddaughter, Felicia M. Thomas; and her brothers, Clyde and Pete Watson.  She is also preceded in death by Joe and Sarah DeBerry of Hopewell who reared her in the absence of her parents.

Thelma is survived by her daughter, Brenda P. Cunningham of Hopewell; son, William H. Thomas, Sr. (Elaine) of Disputanta; six grandchildren, Alanna R. Lanham (Jim) of Apex, NC; William H. Thomas, Jr. of Chester, Tisha P. Harvell (Brian) of Chesterfield, Kevin A. Cunningham (Lisa) of Bluffton, SC, Keith A. Cunningham (Juana) of Kennesaw, GA and Autumn A. Thomas of Hopewell; goddaughter, Tenisha R. Martin of Daphne, AL; nineteen great grandchildren; twelve great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was employed by Blueridge as a Seamstress, JC Penney as a Seamstress/Tailor, Ft. Lee as a Seamstress, and Allied Chemical as an Operator and later becoming the First Black Forelady for the Chesterfield location.

She received her education from Carter G. Woodson, graduating in 1942.  She continued her education at Virginia State College majoring in Home Economics and Tailoring.

As Thelma worked over the decades, she loved giving service to her church, Friendship Baptist, which brought her much joy.  She attended church regularly and attended the evening service when work prevented her from attending morning service.  She served as president of the Willing Workers for many years. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and always enjoyed doing arts and crafts.  She also served as a member of the Senior Choir, the Hospitality Ministry, the Beautification Club, the Pastor's Aide Ministry, and the Senior Friends.  She was also Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star.

Thelma was beloved for and will be remembered for her many cards of sympathy, get well, anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, baptism, new births, and graduations.  Her other memories include singing happy birthday, loving hugs, and telephone calls.  She was a special woman who made others feel special, especially to her.

Special thanks to Amedisys Home Health, Crater Community Hospice, Dr. John Clay, special cousins, Regina Johns, Leonard Johns and Saundra Cherry; and special friends, Deborah Delane, Vanessa Scott, Maxine Simon, Cynthia Wheeler and Vanessa Randolph.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church, 1305 Arlington Road, Hopewell, VA, the Rev. Dr. Norwood G. Carson, Pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

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/5892445?fl=so&fe=fs