(bsetjams
for
Mrs* cI)ecl^Na S*
September 4, 1928 ~ January 30, 2000
Saturday, February 5, 2000
11:00 A.M.
Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
163 Storm Branch Road
North Augusta, South Carolina
Reverend Herman Bing, Officiating
Pastor, Carpentersville Baptist Church
Reverend Nathaniel Irvin, Presiding
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
tttje Jit u m
(J^S. ^cQ^ena gtepftens oJFiomas
9HrS* (^^t<c?pFlCttS Q^FlOmCiS, was bom on September 4, 1928, in North Augusta,
South Carolina. She was the youngest of twelve children born to the late Deacon John and Susie Stephens. She
was married to the late Deacon Lewie P. Thomas, Jr. of Augusta, Georgia.
DeRena attended Central Elementary School in North Augusta, South Carolina, Haines Institute in Augusta,
Georgia and Albany State University in Albany, Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Elementary Education. She taught thirty-six years in the Aiken County Public School System.
DeRena was a member of Carpentersville Baptist Church in North Augusta, South Carolina. She served in the
following capacities: Christian Women Alliance (Charter Member), Senior Choir, Thomas Brown Singers,
Church Clerk, Junior Class Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Deaconess Ministry, and
founder and president of the Susie A. Stephens Childrens Church. She was also a member of the Eastern Star,
Stephens-Washington Community Center and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
DeRena Thomas was truly a Christian woman who touched the lives of many people through her charitable
ways, her unselfishness and service to her fellowman. She inspired and encouraged the youths of the
community. Her favorite songs were Come Unto Jesus and Oh Lord Have Mercy. DeRenas greatest joys
were her church, family and community. She relished the daily visitations of her beloved nieces, nephews,
relatives and special friends.
She leaves to cherish her memories: one sister, Sallie Collins, North Augusta, SC; four sisters-in-law, Alberta
Stephens, North Augusta, SC, Alice Stephens, Philadelphia, PA, Gloria Turman and Mattie Crawford, both of
Augusta, GA; cousin, Eloise Allen, Augusta, GA; a special caregiver, Ida Quiller, North Augusta, SC; and a
host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their
wicked ways; then will 1 hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
Order OJScrvice
Processional
Presiding
..............Rev. Nathaniel Irvin
Pastor, Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
Scripture
Rev. Elroy Wilson
Prayer
..................Rev. Alex Pope
Pastor, First Providence Baptist Church
Selection ...............................................................Mass Sanctuary Choir
Carpentersville Baptist Church
Acknmvledgements............................................................Mrs. Chris Ceasar
Instrumental Solo........................................................Mr. Charles Marshall
Words of Comfort
............Rev. Herman Bing
Pastor, Carpentersville Baptist Church
Recessional
Interment
Sunset Memory Garden
y\ctive cpaSbearcrs
NEPHEWS
(Honorary cpattBearers
Deacons of Carpentersville Baptist Church
grower (JJearers
Deaconess of Carpentersville Baptist Church
C.W.A.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Eastern Star
rj[sfiers
Carpentersville Baptist Church
Old Storm Branch Baptist Church
First Providence Baptist Church
Second Providence Baptist Church
********
God saw you getting weary
He did what He thought best
He came and stood beside you,
Then whispered soJUy, Come and Rest.
You bid no one farewell
Not even a sad goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For a part of us went with you,
The dry God called you home.
God gave us the strength to bear it
Courage to take the blow,
But what it meant to lose you,
Only God will know.
Love Ones
********
~ Witft Gratejuf Appreciation Apd 9(ove ~
The family of the late Mrs. DeRena S. Thomas wishes to express our deep appreciation for all the many
expressions of love showered upon us during this hour of bereavement. Your prayers, visits, cards, telegrams,
food and other acts of kindness have sustained us immeasurably. We pray that Gods richest blessings be
bestowed upon you and your families, and again thank you for being a part of our extended family.
. .. The Family of Mrs. DeRena S. Thomas
********
W. H. Mays Mortuary
"Professional Sendee A Family Tradition Since 1922"
(706) 722-6401