Betty James Thomas' Obituary
Betty James Thomas, 88, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, January 26, 2024, in a local hospital. She was the only child born to James and Beatrice Powers in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 26, 1935. Betty attended Howard High School and graduated in 1954. She was married to Jimmie Whatley, Sr. for many years. Her marriage to her second husband, John Thomas, was filled with lots of love until his untimely passing. She gave birth to 2 children and was gifted with 16 additional children through marriage. Betty was an active member of Mt. Paran Missionary Baptist Church until her health failed. She served on the Mother Board, and in the Choir and was a part of the Women’s Ministry. She loved her church family. Her favorite songs were ‘Jesus Is Real’ and ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’. Betty was employed by Hamilton County Nursing Home for 20 years, diligently caring for the sick before retiring. Betty leaves to cherish her memories one son, Jimmie L. Whatley, Jr. (Wanda); daughter, Monalisa Whatley, both of Chattanooga; grandchildren, Jimmy L. (Wendy) Whatley, III, Tanika Whatley, and Tchala Whatley; great-grandchildren, Quran, Tamar, Takilya, Braden, Kanye, Kimora, Jadakis, and Cornelius, all of Chattanooga; special friends, Carolyn Pines, Betty Swan, and Jenny Maffett; other relatives and many friends. Betty will lie-in-state on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 9 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Randy Petersen as the eulogist.
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