Bernice Thomas, age 87, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, leadership, faith, and love. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a respected public servant, a faithful church member, and a man who gave many years of service to his profession and community.
Bernice was a proud graduate of Roxboro High School, Class of 1958. He continued his education at East Carolina College, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. While attending East Carolina, he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He had a lifelong friendship with his brothers and enjoyed their annual Homecoming Reunion at ECU for the last 40 years.
He dedicated 39 years of service to the North Carolina Department of Revenue, where he built a distinguished career through hard work, commitment, and leadership. He retired as Deputy Secretary of North Carolina Department of Revenue, a position that reflected his many years of professional dedication and accomplishments.
Bernice believed in giving back to the community and remained actively involved throughout his life. He was a lifetime member of the Cary Jaycees, where he served as treasurer and directed the Miss Cary Pageant. His involvement demonstrated his commitment to community service and creating opportunities for others.
His faith was an important part of his life. Bernice was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina, joining the congregation in 1965. For more than six decades, he maintained a connection to his church and its fellowship.
Bernice was born to the late James Bernice Thomas and Sophie Clayton Thomas. He was one of several siblings and shared a family history that remained an important part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved siblings, Gloria Lee , James Bernice Thomas Jr., Shirley Holt, and Rudolph Thomas.
He leaves to cherish his memory by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Donna Hill Thomas, along with his beloved daughter, Tina Thomas Whitmore (Barry), and his two cherished grandchildren, Blake Thomas Whitmore and Tyson Miller Whitmore. He is also survived by one brother Larry Thomas (Dorothy). He will also be lovingly remembered by extended family members, relatives, friends, former colleagues, and his church family.
Though he has departed this earthly life, his legacy will continue through his daughter, grandchildren, family, and all those whose lives he touched.
His life was well lived, his service was meaningful, and his memory will live on forever. May he rest in eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in memory of their loved one to the American Kidney Fund.
Donations can be made online at:
https://www.kidneyfund.org/
