Helen Friday Thomas

THOMAS-Helen Friday Thomas, age 91, entered into rest on Sunday, February 13, 2011. “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Her children arise up, and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31: 10 and 28. Mrs. Thomas was the beloved wife of the late E. C. Thomas, Jr., to whom she was married for sixty-seven years. A native of Graniteville, S. C., she was the daughter of the late Charles Anderson Friday and the late Fannie Faulkner Friday. Survivors include three daughters: Jeanene (Troy) Nobles, Graniteville, S. C., Martha (Mike) Strickland, Franklin, TN; and Nancy (Bob) Brooks, North Augusta, S.C. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Anna (Ted) Hewitt, Columbia, S. C.; Ellen (Greg) Weekly, Granville, Ohio; Sara Grace (Jared) Vaughn, Nashville, TN; Leanna Strickland,, Franklin TN; Fran (Drew) Coleman, Lexington, S.C.; John Brooks, Harrisburg, PA; and five great grandchildren: Meredith Hewitt, Amelia Hewitt, Graham Coleman, Jacob Vaughn and Caroline Weekley. Other family members include three nieces, Betty Williams, Charlene Burke, Cynthia Holley and a nephew, Grady Friday. She was a committed Christian, who was a lifelong member of the Graniteville First Baptist Church, where she faithfully served and taught Sunday School, for many years. She was also a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Spending time with her family and doing for others were two of her greatest joys. Many were blessed by her generous spirit. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Regency Hospice. They also wish to express their appreciation to her devoted cousins, Margaret Kneece and Julia Shealy, and to her caregiver, Brenda Franklin for their loving care and support during the extended illness of their loved one. The family will receive friends at Napier Funeral Home this Monday evening, February 14, 2011 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Graniteville First Baptist Church with interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family requests that memorials be made to the Graniteville First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 119, Graniteville, S. C. 29829. Napier Funeral Home, 315 Main Street, Graniteville, S. C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. You can visit the online guest register at www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com