Betty Lou (nee Hunter) Thomas was born on September 4, 1940 in Orrville, Alabama to the late Lillian Edwards Hunter and Amos Hunter Jr. She was the fourth of seventeen children. Betty was surrounded by her son Robert Thomas Jr., and his wife Cathy when she made her peaceful transition from this life on October 26, 2017.

Betty confessed her life to Christ at an early age at New Bethel Baptist Church, in Orrville, Alabama under the leadership of the late Pastor Jack Shorts. As a child she enjoyed church revivals, bible study and listening to the song “When The Gates Swing Open.”

She relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in February 1960, upon her arrival she found and joined her new church home, Friendship Baptist Church, under the leadership of Dr. James Stallworth.

In 1959 , Betty graduated from Keith High School, in Orrville, Al. Betty found her soulmate in Cleveland, Ohio Mr. Robert Thomas Sr., and on October 8, 1960 they united in Holy Matrimony. Robert preceded her in death. To this wonderful union Wanda, Robert Jr., and Brian were born.

She pursued her career to become a State Certified Nursing Assistant, in Cleveland. She passionately performed her duties at Manor Care Nursing Home and St. Joseph Rehabilitation Center. Betty truly loved caring for others, and especially her family.

Betty had an extensive list of things she enjoyed doing, but those who knew her, knew she loved traveling back to Orrville her home land, Virginia and many other places, cooking and bingo.

Betty leaves to cherish her memories her beloved children, Wanda Thomas, Robert (Kathy) Thomas Jr., and Brian Thomas; grandchildren, Cameron & Christian Thomas, and Haven Brown; 7 sisters, Ethel Spencer, Annie Bradford, Sallie Mae Fluker, Mary Elizabeth Terry, Sadie (Eugene) Jones, Lillian (Amos) Holt of Edison, NJ, and Charlie B. Brown; 3 remaining brothers, Daniel (Gloria) Hunter, Dexter Hunter, and Deacon Donald (Jacqueline) Hunter. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.