Bertha Annelle Thomas

Bertha Annelle Thomas, affectionately known as “Koko”, a treasured matriarch born on November 21, 1932, in Shelby County, TN, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, at the Haywood County Community Hospital of Brownsville, TN. Bertha, who graced this world with her warmth and kindness for nearly 93 years, leaves behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

A devoted homemaker to her family, Bertha’s life revolved around creating a nurturing environment for her loved ones. She was known for her unwavering dedication as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her gentle spirit made everyone feel welcomed and at ease, and she fostered a deep sense of connection during family gatherings.

One of Bertha's greatest joys was hosting Sunday dinner every week, a tradition where her family would come together. Many will fondly remember her creativity in the kitchen as she experimented with new recipes, hoping they would be “fitting to eat.” Her passion for gardening, particularly for her roses, showcased her nurturing nature; she had a true “green thumb” that brought life and beauty to her home.

Bertha was especially proud of her role as a Sunday School teacher at Spring Hill Methodist Church, where she touched the hearts of many young lives. Her educational journey concluded with her achievement as a high school graduate, but her lifelong commitment to learning and teaching went far beyond those walls.

She found joy in traveling, with Gatlinburg, TN, being her favorite vacation spot, where countless family memories were made against the backdrop of the mountains.

Bertha is survived by her beloved children: sons David Wilson Thomas (Melinda) of Paris, TN, and Darrell Edward Thomas of the Koko Community; daughters Debbie Kaye Sullivan (Joel) of Jackson, TN, and Denita Michelle Baxter (Tommy) of Koko Community, TN. She was a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren: Courtney Brush (Brent), Tyler Sullivan, Will Thomas (Brandi), Taylor Thomas, Payton Jarratt, and Daniel Thomas, and a proud great-grandmother to four: Karlyn, Lane, Parker and Tate.

She now joins her beloved husband, Thad Thomas, with whom she shared over 61 years of marriage, as well as her parents, David Franklin Myers and Lorena Alma Leath Myers, and her five brothers: Ralph, Donnie, Bobby, David, and Bill Myers.

Bertha Annelle Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew her, as her loving legacy will continue to inspire her family and friends. A visitation will take place on May 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at Spring Hill Methodist Church in Stanton (Koko Community), TN, at 12:00 PM., with Rev. John Banks officiating. Bertha will then be laid to rest at the Spring Hill Methodist Church Cemetery following the service.

In celebrating her life, let us remember her kindness, her passionate spirit, and the love she so freely shared with everyone around her. Bertha’s memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts; she was truly a remarkable soul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Spring Hill Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Emily Friedman, 5292 Summer Wind Lane, Arlington, TN  38002

Serving as Pallbearers are Payton Jarratt, Will Thomas, Daniel Thomas, Brent Brush, Eric Leath and Tyler Sullivan.