Ms. Bertha L. Thomas

Ms. Bertha Lee Thomas stepped into her heavenly home on February 21, 2026. Bertha Lee Thomas was born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, on July 21, 1938, to Carl Lee Thomas Sr. and Nina Mae Jekins Thomas. She was the middle child of 11 children. She lost her father at an early age when she was only 11 years old. Bertha attended McNeil High School in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, and graduated. She decides to further her education by attending beauty school and then becomes a licensed beautician/barber. Bertha was an adventurous person, so she packed her clothes and moved to the big city, New York. This is where she collaborates with her brother Nathaniel at the Barber and Beauty Salon. She looked up to her brother, and she knew she would be ok. She said her brother would say: “Let’s get them in and out, no playing around.” She loved doing hair; it was a passion for her. Over the years, she would travel, always trying to do better for herself by taking on extra jobs while still working in a beauty shop. She would take the Greyhound bus to the factory in Detroit during the week. One day, a life-changing event happened to her; she lost her arm at her factory job. This did not stop her; she kept on moving. Bertha stayed in Detroit and found a job at a gym, Vic Tanny (later Bally Total Fitness). She would become the woman who opened the clubs across cities and states. One day, she received news that a new owner would be taking over. She learned that her new boss would be Mr. Michael Lucci. She was employed for multiple years, collaborating closely with him and his family. They were a big part of her life. She took pride in her work for over 50 years. Bertha has two beautiful children (Eve and Adam). She loved her children. She insisted on naming them Adam and Eve, convinced that they were a gift from GOD. She was a woman who trusted in the Lord, so she knew he would take care of them. Bertha loved doing yard work. She would spend hours in her yard making sure it was perfect. She grew a garden, painted her deck, and the fence. The neighbors were amazed by what she accomplished with one arm. She always said, “Jesus will help me with my load.” Whenever she felt exhausted, she would say, “Hey God, it’s me, Bertha.” She never worried about what people thought about her faith. She talked about her boyfriend (Jesus) every day. She lived her life knowing that God would carry her through this life. Bertha was predeceased by her parents and nine siblings: 7 brothers, Carl (CJ), Roy, Nathaniel, Feddie, Lafayette, Carl (Seal), and Herman, 2 sisters, Nora and Cora. Bertha leaves to mourn: her children, Eve (Larnell) Roath of Grandview, MO, and Adam Joseph (Mary) Thomas (Cannon, MI), grandchildren (4): Kayla Paul, Christopher Roath, Adam Joseph Jr. (AJ), and Kaylin Thomas (The twins). her sister, Martha Jean (Van) House, her special goddaughter, Daphne Bell (Tootie), a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. Memorial Service Saturday, March 7, 2026, 4:00 p.m. at Watkins Heritage Chapel. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Bertha L. Thomas

July 21, 1938 - February 21, 2026