Thenia Fuller Brasby, devout Christian, teacher
Thenia Fuller Brasby was born April 6, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Mattie Joyner and Walter Fuller. She was raised in New Bern, N.C., by her beloved grandmother, Emma Koonce.
Thenia was educated in the public school system of New Bern and then attended St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, N.C., where she graduated with a sociology degree. Upon graduation, Thenia began her lifelong passion of educating children. She relocated and began a decade-long career as a teacher in Philadelphia School District.
In 1968, she married the love of her life, Reginald Brasby. From this union came two children, Reginald Jr. and Christopher. They shared 43 years of marital bliss until Reginald preceded her in death in 2012.
Thenia was a devout Christian who lived by the creed, “I treat all the way I would want to be treated.” In Philadelphia, Thenia was a member of St. Simon the Cyrenian Episcopal Church, where in keeping with her love of children, she served as superintendent of Sunday school and as director of Daily Vacation Bible School.
Upon retirement from the Philadelphia School District, Thenia and Reggie relocated to Sussex County. She joined St. George’s Chapel and served in several capacities, including a lay reader and member of the choir.
In addition to her grandmother, Thenia was preceded in death by her beloved brother, John Bennie.
Thenia left behind to mourn, her sons, Reggie and Chris; daughters-in-law, Karen and Nanette; sisters, Mary Mills and Anna Bennie (Bunny); 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and “adopted” children and friends whom she loved as sisters and brothers.
Her memory is a blessing to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at St. George’s Chapel, 20271 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, with a viewing for family and friends beginning at 10 a.m.
To offer words or sign the guestbook, visit benniesmithfuneralhomesdelaware.com.
Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Millsboro.
