Nellie Mae Thomas

Nellie Thomas, 84, passed away, Friday, November 8, 2024, at Jesse Helms Nursing Center with her family by her side.

Nellie was born on July 24, 1940, in Stokes County, NC to the late John W. Brown, Sr and the late Charity Marshall Brown. In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thomas, three sisters; Annie Brown Jackson Nelson, Rachel Brown Cardwell, Elsie Mae Brown Hoots; five brothers, Henry Brown, John W. Brown, Jr., Vester "Shorty" Brown, Ruben Brown, Carl Brown and Ralph Brown. 

Nellie was an active member of Rocky Mount Baptist Church since 1964 and attended faithfully as long as she was able. She loved her church and served as Sunday school teacher, bible school teacher, church clerk, secretary, acteens leader, member of the choir and WMU. She loved children and doing Bible drills, teaching Sunday school and bible school, brought her much joy. She especially loved calling people and singing Happy Birthday to them. Anytime someone asked her how she was, she was known to say "fine, fine, fine".

Nellie is survived by her daughter and son- in-law,  Robin and Dietmar Stahnke, her sister, Virginia Malcom, brother-in-laws; David Thomas and Steve Thomas, sister-in-law; Irene Thomas and several nieces and nephews, and their families from both the Brown and Thomas families.

There will be a visitation Monday, November 11, 2024, 12:00 - 12:45pm at Rocky Mount Baptist Church, 4167 Rocky Mount Church Road, Polkton, NC. A Celebration of Life service will be held following visitation at 1:00 pm, officiated by Pastor Tony Thomas, with a burial immediately following in the church cemetery.

The family would like to thank the care team at Hospice of Union County and Jesse Helms Nursing Center.

Memorials may be made to NC Baptist Children's Home ( https://www.bchfamily.org/), or the charity of your choice.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Thomas family.