Obituary of Harriette Bryant Thomas

Mrs. Harriette Bryant Thomas of Charlotte, passed away, Wednesday, January 2, 2019. She was born February 28, 1917 at home in Hodgenville, Kentucky; the daughter of William Garnet Bryant and Levi Russell Bryant.  Mrs. Thomas was married to William J.R. Thomas, Jr. for 67 years.  During World War II, she worked two years as a supervisor for the Goodyear Engineering Company at Clarksville, Indiana making munitions for the war effort.  Due to her husband’s 43 year career with South Bell Telephone & Telegraph Company, they moved frequently throughout the Southeast.  During the Thomas’ ten year stay in Charlotte, they were charter members of Providence Methodist Church and joined in the little brown building.  Mrs. Thomas was always an enthusiastic and giving volunteer both in her church and also at Hawthorne Nursing Home.  The Thomas’ were transferred to Atlanta, Georgia in 1966 where her husband later retired.  After retirement, they enjoyed traveling widely and eventually moved back to their beloved Charlotte where they joined Calvary Church.  At Calvary, Mrs. Thomas served as a tour guide for two years after the opening of the new church.  The Thomas’ spent the next sixteen years dividing their time between Charlotte and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  While in Fort Lauderdale, they also joined and were active in the First Congregational Church where Mrs. Thomas served as Deacon.  In 2000, the Thomas’ settled fulltime in Charlotte and moved to Atria Merry Wood for 16 years.

Her Family would like to thank all the loving caregivers at Brighton Gardens Charlotte and staff.

Harriette was predeceased by her husband, W.J.R. Thomas, Jr. and her loving son, W.J.R. Thomas III.

Harriette is survived by her daughter, Diane Thomas Bartlett of Charlotte; five grandchildren, Alan R. Simpson, Jr. (Patty), Sheri Simpson of Charlotte, Renee Wallace (Robert), Tiffanie Hitchcock, W.J.R. Thomas, IV (Sarah) of Atlanta, Ga., 8 great grand children; daughter-in-law Hilda Thomas and Helen Sonnier whom she loved like a daughter.

Harriette was the last of 7 children, Mildred, Elizabeth, Elsie, Cassie, Juanita and Sonny (Clarence) Bryant.

All services will be private.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1901 Brunswick Ave., Suite 100, Charlotte, NC  28207.