Brenda Faye Thomas

Brenda Faye Bryan Thomas passed away on January 16, 2026 in El Dorado, AR after a 9 year journey with Lewy Body Dementia. She was surrounded by her beloved husband and children. Brenda was born on March 29, 1946 in Ruston, LA.

Her life can be best encapsulated by 3 words: Jesus, Family, and Service. In her almost 80 years with us, she experienced an abundance of each. Her unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ guided her life and touched the lives and hearts of so many in her family and community.

Brenda had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and important date in her children's, grandchildren's, cousin's, aunt's, uncle's, niece's and nephew's lives, never failing to send a card or make a call.

Brenda loved to sing hymns, and she had such a servant’s heart. She taught 1st grade at New Covenant Christian Academy and went on to First Assembly Christian Academy to serve while her children were in school. Later she served the community as a volunteer Pink Lady at South Arkansas Regional Medical Center for several years. Service to her church, East Main Baptist Church, was the cornerstone of her joy. Brenda will leave a legacy of kindness, grace, compassion, gratitude and love for her family and church.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents, Edna and Gleen Bryan of Spearsville, LA, in-laws, Mildred and Arnold Thomas of Spearsville, LA, sister-in-law Janice (Thomas) Scriber, brother and sister-in-law Gerald and Joan Thomas, brother-in-law Don Hogan, brother-in-law Fred York, brother-in-law Paul Beaird, and niece Lily (Hogan) Stoppleworth.

Brenda is survived by her dedicated husband of 61 years, Benny Thomas; 3 children, Tony Thomas of El Dorado, AR Mark Thomas and wife Mary of Fayetteville, AR and Angel Leach and husband Marty of Tontitown, AR; 5 grandchildren, Chelsea Lindsey of Fayetteville, AR, Isaiah Phifer of Harrison, AR, Ayden Phifer of Harrison, AR, Hannah Thomas of Fayetteville, AR and Preslee Phifer of Fayetteville, AR. Brenda is also survived by two sisters; her twin Glenda Bryan York of Spearsville, LA and Jerri Breland (Michael) of Spearsville, LA, sister-in-law Evelyn Elkins (Hez) of Farmerville, LA, and so many nieces, nephews and cousins that she loved very much.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at East Main Baptist Church with a memorial service directly following at 2:00 p.m. Brenda will be buried at Spearsville Cemetery alongside many family members who preceded her.

Pallbearers are Isaiah Phifer, Ayden Phifer, Gleen Michael Breland, Josh Rockett, Jackson Rockett, Mac Jerry, Chase Jerry, and John Green.

Honorary Pallbearers are Rob Stoppleworth, Justin Stoppleworth, and Jay York.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

Benny and Brenda, and the entire family are deeply and eternally grateful to the entire staff of Hudson Nursing Home for their exceptional kindness, compassionate care, and friendship for almost 7 years of tireless care. You all are cherished, appreciated, and loved.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Thomas family.