Bernice Thomas

Bernice Artis Thomas,103 years old, was born on May 2, 1917 in Thornton, Texas to James Henry and Genora Skipper Artis. She attended elementary and middle schools in Thornton and Mexia, Texas.  Bernice was a graduate of the Booker T. Washington Technical High School in Dallas, Texas.

Bernice Thomas accepted Christ at an early age at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (Thornton). She held memberships in the Peoples Baptist Church (Dallas), Greater People’s Baptist Church (Dallas),and finally attended as a member of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas until her health began to fail.

Bernice began singing God's praises at an early age as a soloist in church choirs.  She loved to study and read the bible especially the Monday night bible study at the Inspiring Body of Christ Church (Dallas). She previously participated in women’s missionary groups at various churches.

She met and married Irvin Thomas in 1938.  Two children were born to this union:  Doris Jean and Phyllis Elain Thomas. Bernice worked meticulously to take care of her family and the family of others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 6 brothers and sisters, and very recently a granddaughter, Michele Hamilton Abrams.

Bernice  leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughters, Doris Thomas Hamilton of Dallas, Texas and Dr. Phyllis Thomas Simpson (Wilbert) of Desoto, Texas; three grandchildren, Kira Boone (Robert) of Allen, Texas, Kenard Simpson of Carrolton, Texas and Cory Hamilton (Tramaine) of Little Elm, Texas.  Also remaining to remember her are eight great grandchildren: Lauren Boone (UTD and Texas Tech University); Nicholas Boone (Oklahoma Baptist University); Vitallio Abrams (recent Prairie View A & M graduate); Kennedy Cumbo (Cedar Hill); Brandon and Caden Simpson (Carrollton); Cory Hamilton II and Braden Hamilton (Little Elm); and a sister, Fannie Sessions (Los Angeles, California); nieces, nephews, other relatives, church members, and friends.