Mrs. Beth Thomas

Wanda Beth (Waits) Thomas – August 16, 1945 – January 24, 2025 Beth Thomas was a woman who sought to do everything as to the Lord, knowing that her reward is from Christ and not from people (Col. 3:23-24). On the afternoon of January 24, 2025, Jesus called His servant to Himself, and she is now living eternally in His joy. Beth was born in Beckville, TX to Forrest and Mary Dean Waits. She graduated from Beckville High School in 1963 and Panola College in 1965. She worked as a secretary for many years in Richardson and Tyler. She married Charlie J. Thomas, the love of her life, in 1981 and together raised four daughters all of whom are married: Laura and Alan Sanders of Tyler, Donna and John DeLaCruz of Cedar Park, Denise and Trey Shaw of Budapest, Hungary and Tammy and Brad Michaud of North Richland Hills. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Darwin Waits. In addition to her husband and daughters, she is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Derrell Baggett, and her brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Vicky Waits. Beth had five grandchildren whom she showered with love, generosity and sweet treats! Bryan Shaw, Alexander Shaw, MaryBeth (DeLaCruz) and Cody Montey, Lily Shaw and Matthew DeLaCruz. She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. Beth was a woman of great humility, with a quiet spirit and a smile for anyone she met. She was also a woman of hardened determination and perseverance whose faith in Jesus carried her through every circumstance. For her husband, family and friends she was a true example of abiding trust in Christ. God blessed Beth with the spiritual gift of hospitality which she used in countless ways as a blessing to more people than can be counted. Her skill in the kitchen rivaled any chef, and few people have ever baked like Beth Thomas. Even more, she reflected the love of God in the abundance with which she used her gift. Whether it was for a church function, the neighbors or her beloved family, Beth showed what godly abundance can look like, and in her home nobody could ever say, “I just didn’t eat enough”. Beth and Charlie were faithful members of a Baptist church in every city they lived. In their retirement she was a member of Birchman Baptist Church in Fort Worth and in Cedar Park, Austin Baptist Church. In each church, she loved to serve, and especially loved singing and hearing others sing in praise of her Savior. All who knew and loved Beth Thomas can repeat the Apostle Paul’s words knowing that she was obedient to Jesus, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Amen, and thank you God for the gift of Beth Thomas. A memorial service officiated by Dr. Bob Pearle will be held at Birchman Baptist Church in Ft. Worth on Friday, January 31st at 1pm with a reception immediately following. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Trey Shaw will be held at the Waldrop Cemetery (392-398 CR 236, Beckville) on Saturday, February 1st at 1pm. Pallbearers for the graveside service will be Alan Sanders, John DeLaCruz, Brad Michaud, Bryan Shaw, Alexander Shaw, Matthew DeLaCruz and Cody Montey.

Mrs. Beth Thomas

August 16, 1945 - January 24, 2025