NAHUNTA – Eliza “Bet” Gerelda Thomas, 79 of Nahunta, passed away Monday afternoon, November 25, 2024 at Hospice of South Georgia in Jesup after an extended illness.
Born in Nahunta, her parents were James Edward Willis and Elma Louise Lewis Willis. Mrs. Thomas was also preceded in death by two brothers, Tommy Willis and Julian Willis; and a sister, Darlene Willis Johns.
Mrs. Thomas retired from CSX, where she was the first female electrician apprentice ever in the state of Georgia. She was a member of Community Christian Church in Raybon.
Mrs. Thomas was a loving mother, grandmother and homemaker who loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and being with family and friends during the holidays.
She never met a stranger and was a very giving person who would do anything for anyone. Mrs. Thomas enjoyed doing word searches, sewing, traveling, fishing and working in her flowers bed.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Richard Brian Thorton (Ruby) of Townsend; four daughters and a son-inlaw, Teresa Brooker of Nahunta,Sheila Tripp (Brick) of Jonesboro, Ga., Angela Mock and Holly
Thomas
Thomas both of Nahunta; 11 grandchildren, Jason Brooker, Jamie Brooker, Savanna Tripp, Bricklyn Tripp, John Ruesga, Stephanie Ruesga, B.J. Mock, Michael Mock (Sheena), Mallory Gibson (Jerimey), Hudson Crews and Parker Herrin; nine great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; four brothers and sistersin- law, J.B. Willis (Mabel) of Hortense, Gary Willis, Virgil Willis and Travis Willis (Lynn) all of Raybon; a sister, Ivalyn Willis of Nahunta; two sistersin- law, Diane Willis of Hickox and Ila Waters of Nahunta; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
A funeral service was held Saturday afternoon, November 30, 2024 at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Whaley and Bro. David Herrin officiating.
Burial followed in Oakgrove Cemetery.
Pallbearers were John Ruesga, Jason Brooker, B.J. Mock, Michael Mock, Hudson Crews and Parker Herrin.
Arrangements were with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
