Beater Thomas' Obituary
Beater Thomas, affectionately known as Bea to family and friends was born on October 23,1918 to the union of Alec Leary and Naris Clark-Leary in Deberry, Texas. She was the fourth of eleven children raised in a God fearing and loving home.In 1941 she went to live with relatives in Houston, Texas where she met her first husband, Bonis E. Byrd, Sr. Their union was blessed with three sons, Bonis Edgar Byrd, Jr., Reginald Herbert Byrd and Vonnard Ray Byrd, Sr. In 1954 she met her second husband, Norris Thomas and their union was blessed with one son, Kenneth Earl Thomas.In 1958 she became a born again spirit filled believer at Mount Olive, COGIC in Dallas, Texas. At that time, she made a decision to dedicate her life to the service of our Lord. She moved to California in 1964 and served as a Deaconess at Greater Jackson Memorial, COGIC in San Diego, CA. When her eldest son was called to pastor in 1983 she joined his church to support his ministry and served as the Church Mother.As an exceptional homemaker, seamstress and cook, Bea will forever be remembered for Sunday afternoon dinners, dress making and sleepovers at Grandmother’s. However, her most memorable skill was the amazing way in which she could provide the perfect balance of love, correction and Godly wisdom, when needed.At the age of 99 Bea was received into the loving arms of our Lord on the day of His annual birthday celebration, December 25, 2017. She was preceded in death by her 10 siblings, and leaves behind her four sons, their wives, Bonnie Byrd and Alfreda Byrd; eleven grandchildren, Bonis E. Byrd, III, Khaminee Hoyd, Stephen Byrd, Dena Moore, Christopher Byrd, Celeste Byrd, Vonnard R. Byrd, II, D’undre Byrd, Mark Whaley, Angela Webster and Candace Branch; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.Bea was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie Bea and friend. Her love of the Lord, wisdom, beautiful smile, warm embrace and kindness will forever be remembered. We will miss her with all our heart. The family had a service at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 11:30 AM at the Garden Chapel, followed by a committal at the grave following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of Beater?
What’s a lesson you learned from Beater?
Share a story where Beater's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Beater you’ll never forget.
How did Beater make you smile?