Betty M. Thomas' Obituary
Betty M. Thomas entered peacefully into rest in Hayward, CA. on Nov. 27, 2019. She was 90 years old.Betty was born September 20, 1929 in Claude, Texas to Angie O’Leta Brown Middleton and Smith Frederick Middleton. She was preceded in death by her 3 siblings, older brother David Middleton, younger brother, Gene Middleton, and younger sister, Rita Jackson.She graduated from Stoneburg H.S. in Montague County, TX. She met her husband, Robert Leo “Link” Thomas while working at Pure Ice Cream in TX. They moved to California and were married on November 26, 1949. Link and Betty were married for almost 49 years when Link passed away in April of 1998. Link and Betty loved to be with family and friends and entertain in their home and patio “party” room. They worked together on all projects in and around their home. Whether it was painting, wall papering, landscaping, or pouring cement, they were up to the task, always working together. In addition to relatives their family always included their furry friends.Early in their marriage Betty worked as an overseas telephone operator. Later she worked, for 20+ years, at a professional office building in San Jose as the receptionist and office manager. In addition to these duties she was the resident mother, best friend, and confidant to all who rented office space and worked in the building. Betty was always there for others, ready to listen and offer help whenever possible. When the owners of the building decided to install a new phone system for all of the tenants it was Betty who worked long weeknight hours and weekends to make sure the system was properly installed and working efficiently.For over 25 years Betty volunteered as a member of the local “Dumbo” Chapter of Children’s Home Society. With friends and fellow volunteers, this group of women transported babies to the Oakland CHS offices for Well Clinic Days where the children were cared for by doctors and nurses. They also transported babies from their foster homes to the CHS offices and into the arms of their adoptive parents. Every year they also coordinated fundraisers such as Salad Bar Luncheons and auctions, and participated in flea markets and garage sales to raise funds for CHS and the work they did on behalf of children and family advocacy.Betty loved and cherished her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie and stepdaughter, Rose and her husband David; grandchildren, Tanya and Keith Farmer, and Trene and Greg Mobley; great grandchildren, Kevin and Angie Farmer, Erika and Derek Henderson, Shantee and Jonathan Siebuhr, Briar Mobley, and Matt and Leigh Mobley; great great grandchildren, Ava, Avery, Lily, Ayla, Malakhi, Draven, Sebastian, and Barbara; sisters-in law, Allyne Middleton and Johanne Middleton, and nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held on Monday, December 16 at 10:00am at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward, CA.In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity.
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