Our hearts were deeply sadden on Sunday morning, March 29, 2015, when the Lord called our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Thelma Bridgeforth Thomas into eternal rest at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, VA, with her family by her side.

She was a child of late Vallie Bridgeforth Bolling and Neal Ricks, born October 2, 1927.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward Thomas Jr, and her son, John (Man) Thomas.

She was a faithful and loving mother and grandmother who loved the Lord. She was a devoted church member of St. Paul Holiness Church, and member of The Order of Easter Star Fraternal Organization until her health declined.

She leaves to cherish her loving and devoted memories her children: Rebecca Bates, Vincent Thomas (Susie), Brenda Woodson of Williamsburg, VA, Vallie Barrow (Ernest), Jannie Ellis, James Edward III (Michelle) of Petersburg, VA, Sylvia Thomas, Greta Jones (Thomas), all of Waverly, VA; three sisters, Lucy Thomas, Addie Parham (Oscar), Helen Garrett; one brother, David Bolling (Virginia) of Waverly, VA; 41 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends, and caretaker Hope Jones.

Funeral services for Mrs. Thomas will be Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 315 Church Street, Waverly, VA, Rev. Ronald Taylor, pastor. Elder Willie Thomas Jr, eulogizing. Interment will follow at First Baptist Church Cemetery, Waverly, VA.