Brenda Thomas

Brenda Jean Thomas, 78, was taken into the arms of the Lord on July 6, 2024.

Brenda was born December 31,1945, in Covina, California to Lester and Jean Carter. She was the middle child, having an older sister Shirley Bateman who preceded her in death, and a younger brother, George Carter. The family was raised in the San Joaquin Valley, settling in Bakersfield, Ca.

Brenda attended Bakersfield High School and graduated with honors in 1963. The Lord brought Melvin Thomas into her life in the fall of 1963, and they were united in marriage until his passing in 2005. Brenda was employed as a supervisory teller for Bank of America for more than 30 years until her retirement. Melvin was a beloved minister at Bethel Tabernacle in Ceres, California as well as a captain in the Modesto police department. Upon Melvin's passing the Lord called upon Brenda to become ordained and enter the ministry. She was the minister at Bethel Tabernacle until her retirement in 2023, when she moved to Grapevine, Texas to be near her brother George.

When she left California to move to Texas her heart was heavy at the sadness of leaving her "church family" behind. These were all people she loved greatly, and she did not make the decision to retire and make the move without the Lord's blessing.

Upon her arrival in Texas, she was led to a new "family in Christ", Heritage Church, located in Irving, led by Drs. Ronald and Gwen Minor. Brenda loved her new "Church family" and was very welcomed into the flock.

Brenda is survived by her younger brother George Carter and his wife Judy of Grapevine; their children, son Jason Carter and his wife Caress [nephews Austin (28), Dustin (24) Carson (20)], daughter Sheri Collins and her husband Patrick [nephews Caden Lucas (16), and Tyler (9)]; and nephew Jonathan Bateman and niece Alisha Weidler.

She also leaves behind many loved ones in her family-in-Christ.

She will be greatly missed.