Funeral services for the late Gattie Thomas will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 12:00 noon at Macedonia Baptist Church, Blackville, SC.  Viewing for the public will be held on Friday from 1:00 - 8:00 pm at the church.  Members of The Order of Eastern Stars will conduct a memorial service at 6:00 pm at the church.



Mrs. Gattie Louise Sims Thomas, 84, entered into eternal rest at 10:06 pm, Friday, April 21, 2017 at Pruitt Health North Augusta Facility in North Augusta, South Carolina.

She was born on November 8, 1932 in Barnwell County, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Mr. Gaddis and Mrs. Mattie Harley Sims.

She attended Macedonia Public Schools and graduated as Salutatorian from the Class of 1950.

At the age of five years old, she joined the Macedonia Baptist Church, where she held the position of Church Clerk, Trustee and various organizations, remaining faithful throughout her life.

She was a member of the following organizations: Past Worthy Matron of Pilgrim Chapter #7 O.E.S., Grand Secretary of Williams Grand Chapter for the state of South Carolina, Heroines of Jericho, Ladies Knights, Daughters of Sphinx and Royal House. She also served on various church and civic organizations including Blackville Civic Club, American Legion Post 253, Please Club, Eveready Club, Sanctuary Choir and Missionary Society.

She was employed by the Sunbeam Corporation for 19 years and served as a teachers aide in the Blackville Public Schools for many years.

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Mr. Charlie James Thomas on April 7, 1950. To this union eight children were born. Three preceded her in death, Beverly, James Allen and Ruth Evelyn.

Her outgoing disposition and love for her family will always be remembered and surely missed.

Survivors include: three daughters, Ms. Deborah L. Thomas, Mrs. Cynthia T. (Tony) Mole and Ms. Pamela Y. Thomas all of Blackville, SC; two sons, Mr. Charlie J. Thomas, Jr. of Winston-Salem, NC and Mr. An'Dino L. Thomas of Greensboro, NC; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Eva (Daniel) Martin of Queens, NY; one stepson, Mr. Jackie (Sharon) Reed of Blackville, SC adopted daughters, Reverend Beverly J. Ashley of Williston, SC and Mrs. Annie J. (Ozzie) Thomas of Elko, SC; one grandson reared as her son, Mr. Carlen E. (Tonya) Thomas of Blackville, SC; two sisters, Mrs. Mildred (Spurgeon) Godwin of Hampton, VA and Ms. Madeline Sims-Lodge of Brooklyn, NY; one devoted sister-in-law, Mrs. Nettie E. Thomas of Blackville, SC; three daughters-in-law, Mrs. Claretta C. Thomas of Winston-Salem, NC, Mrs. Teresa Johnson and Mrs. Carolyn Johnson both of Blackville, SC; one stepson-in-law, Mr. Gary Wiseltier of New York, NY; a devoted cousin reared as a sister, Mrs. Francina S. Hall of Brooklyn, NY; thirty-six grandchildren; fifty-six great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.