Brenda L. Thomas, retired paraprofessional
Brenda L. Thomas, 85, of Lewes passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, at her home. She was born April 18, 1935, in Millsboro, daughter of the late Alston "Pete" and Helen Rebecca (Jackson) Harmon.
Brenda retired in 1996 as a paraprofessional for the Indian River School District after 31 years of service.
She enjoyed walking, reading, doing crossword puzzles and word searches, traveling to all the states and all over the world. Above all, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Education was very important to Brenda, and for the last seven years she attended Bible Study Fellowship, a Bible study in Milford. The BSF lessons were a great comfort to her, especially once the cancer spread to her bones and liver, as she never stopped doing her Bible study lessons.
Brenda's faith and trust in God got her through the difficult period during her transition to be with the Lord.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frederick D. Thomas; her brother: Barry N. Harmon Sr.; and her stepson, Raymond Thomas Sr. (who passed on the same date one year ago).
Brenda is survived by her children: Denise L. Johnson-Todd (James) of Flat Rock, N.C. Sabrina D. Balentine of Millsboro, Lelene R. Johnson of Lewes, Paris N. Johnson lll, of Alexandria, Va., and Charmain "Sherry" Thomas; her grandchildren: Michael W. Balentine Jr., of Smyrna, Raymond Thomas Jr. (Casey), of Apex, N.C., Shawna Hoard of Pittsburgh, Pa., Tristan Renae, of Honolulu, Hawaii, Kyle G. Johnson (Jasmine), of Georgia, and Paris A. Johnson, of Alexandria; her six great-grandchildren; her sister, Faye Blanks (Bernie); her brother, Tyrone Harmon (Phyllis); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; several lifelong friends: Marilyn Jackson, Beatrice Johnson, Doris Winsley; Sistie Arnold and Margaret Coursey; and her many colleagues who had become special long-lasting friends and family. The family is truly grateful to all our friends, family, Mom's friends, colleagues, and BSF members for their support to her and us during her illness. Your expressions of love, words of sympathy, prayers and condolences during this time of bereavement are greatly appreciated. May God continue to bless and keep you during this time.
Due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will take place later in the summer or when it will be safe for friends and family to attend. She will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Indian Mission Cemetery with private committal services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made in Brenda's memory to Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care of Delaware, 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 205, Millsboro, DE 19968, or Nanticoke Indian Scholarship Fund, ATTN: NIA 27073 John J. Williams Highway, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please visit Brenda’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
