Dorothy B. Thomas

Dorothy B. Thomas, who has nine siblings, is a native of North Carolina, born in Chatham County, and the daughter of the late Cora Mae and Nathaniel Brooks, Sr. She was educated in the North Carolina Public School System, where she graduated from Chatham High School in Siler City. After graduation, she came to Richmond to attend Virginia Union University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. Spending the majority of her tenure at Mary Munford Elementary School. Dorothy retired after realizing a very fulfilling 32-year teaching career in the Richmond Public School System. She formerly worked part-time at Henrico County Public School System. At an early age, Dorothy accepted Christ and became an active member of Lambert Chapel Baptist Church in Siler City, North Carolina, until she moved to Richmond. She later joined Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church by Christian experience and remained a dedicated member. She lent her talents to the Day Care Ministry, Sunday School as a teacher for the Junior Youth Class, Sunday Nursery, Vacation Bible School, and the RMZ Counting Team. Dorothy loves children and being involved in such activities that included them. She leaves cherished memories to her daughter, Sharon, and two sons, Keith and Dwight, and two delightful grandchildren, Hannah Marie and Micah Isaac Taylor. Dorothy was a very humble and congenial person who was always fun to be around. She always had a smile that she readily shared. She earned the name, “Sunshine” from a former principal because, “She brightened the day.” Dorothy enjoyed helping others and could always be counted on regardless of how great or how small the deed was. One of her favorite says is, “I try to do something good, or show some kindness to someone every day, for I shall not pass this way but once.” Galatians 6:10 let’s us know that we should do “good” to all as we have the opportunity. Dorothy loved the outdoors and believed that the most rewarding and enjoyable wonders of life are: the breathtaking land forms, animals, the changing of seasons, the beauty of the sunsets, moon phases, and other miraculous things in nature. She called them “God’s Wondrous Works.” Dorothy loved to read her Bible and other inspirational readings. Dorothy’s children admired her and realized that she made great sacrifices for them.

Tributes

Dorothy B. Thomas

September 5, 1935 - April 3, 2025