Lee Bertha Thomas' Obituary
Lee Bertha (Fleming) Thomas, known by many as Mom, Mother Thomas, and Granny answered the call of her heavenly father on the morning of November 11, 2020.
Born June 4, 1925 in Benton, MO she became the third child of thirteen children born to Joseph and Beaufort (Martin) Fleming. And it was in Benton where she received her early years of formal education before venturing out into the world. She later migrated to the Pacific Northwest and remained a longtime resident of Tacoma, WA.
Lee was a hard worker throughout her life from sharecropping at an early age, to being a certified welder on the USS Wisconsin Navy Battleship (BB-64) during World War II which classified her under the historic group of women known as “Rosie the Riveter”, to working at Ft. Lewis, WA Army Base; as well as various jobs which included housekeeping for others to help support her family when necessary. Lee taught her children the rewards of working hard by taking them to pick berries and beans where they earned money and were taught to save and spend wisely. What she enjoyed the most was preparing and selling her well liked “home-cooked” dinners which included handmade rolls “Light Bread”, cakes, pies, and her even more famous “made from scratch” glazed donuts which people came from far and near to enjoy.
Lee or as some called her, “L.B.”, was a woman who loved God with her whole heart, mind, and soul. She always maintained church membership or fellowship wherever she lived and read her Bible regularly. She raised her family according to God’s Word by teaching them to love Him, as well as by taking them to church regularly and encouraging them to obey God’s Word. She loved attending church and hearing good preaching and great gospel music. She was blessed to meet several gospel quartet singers and members of her favorite choir; The Mississippi Mass Chior during her travels and even got to cook for them. She remained steadfast in her faith and was ever present in church her entire life.
Next to her love for God, her dedication to her family was immeasurable. She was a faithful and devoted wife; her late Husband Willie Thomas Sr. proceeds her in death. She was a loving mother who kept all her children under her “wings”; a supportive mother and grandmother, a fun-loving sister, a compassionate aunt, and an adored mother-in-law.
The love and compassion that poured into the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her was never ending. She was always available and willing to lend a helping hand and became a well-known staple in Tacoma and other areas that she visited; her words of wisdom and encouragement are cherished by many.
Eleven brothers and sisters preceded her in death, as well as two children: Pearl Ann Lee Ellison and Major Lee Whitten Sr. However, her legacy will be cherished by nine children: Lavell Whitten of Las Vegas, NV; Virginia Boggs of Snellville, GA; Bobbie Ray Whitten of Tacoma, WA; Kenneth (Elva) Whitten of Smithfield, VA; Alfonzo (Peggy) Whitten of Third Lake, IL; Gloria (Archie) Dansby of Tacoma, WA; Toney Allen of Puyallup, WA; Willie Dean Duplessis of Tacoma, WA; and Willie (Kenya) Thomas, Jr. of Tacoma, WA; one daughter-in-law, Linda Whitten of Tacoma, WA. thirty-three grandchildren, seventy-eight great-grandchildren and, thirty-seven great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth Bird of Blue Bell, PA and Joann (Willie) Potts of Chicago, IL; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Her love knew no boundaries and will endure in the hearts of those she loved, and who loved her.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” – Proverbs 31:31 (NIV)
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