Bertha "Bert" Vance Thomas

A graveside celebration for Bertha “Bert” Vance Thomas, 92, will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Park in Haughton, Louisiana. Family and friends are invited to share memories of Bert as they lay her to rest next to Bill.

Bert was born on December 10, 1931, to Corbin and Chloe Vance in Coushatta, Louisiana, and passed away on July 24, 2024, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

A graduate of Martin High School, Bert dedicated many years to her career as a bank teller before retiring as the Administrative Assistant at a long-term care facility in Shreveport. Her colleagues and those she served will remember her unwavering work ethic and the genuine care she showed to everyone around her.

Bert’s personality was characterized by her sweet disposition and kind heart. Her pleasant smile became a familiar sight to friends and family alike. She was known for her delicious fish fries, which were a highlight at family gatherings, lovingly prepared with fish that her husband, Bill, would catch. These meals were not just food but rather a celebration of family, love, and togetherness.

Among her many hobbies, Bert enjoyed being a seamstress, working on puzzles, and spending quality time with close friends and family. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Bossier City and later became active in Airline Baptist Church, where her faith and community involvement shone brightly.

Perhaps one of Bert’s proudest accomplishments was her instrumental role in the educational journeys of her son, Randall, and her granddaughter, Jessica Renee. Their achievements in advanced degrees, Randall in education, and Jessica in hospital administration—are a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement Bert provided throughout their lives.

Bertha "Bert" Vance Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and inspiration. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Bert was preceded in death by her husband, William O. Thomas of Coushatta, Louisiana; daughter, Angela Thomas Miller; parents, Corbin and Chloe Vance; sisters, Helen Sanders, Betty Harrison, and Mary Smith, and brothers, Charlton and Buster. She is survived by her son, William Randall “Randy” Thomas; granddaughter, Jessica Renee Miller; twin brothers, Mack and Glen Vance along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org, or any organization dedicated to eradicating dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease and the devastating consequences of these conditions.