(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