Deaconess Laura Ellen Vessels Thomas, 102, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 28, 2010, at her daughter's home in Caroline County Virginia. Daughter of the late Willie and Bessie Vessels, she lived a long and beautiful life and is now resting in "God's" beautiful garden.

Deaconess Thomas grew up in King and Queen County and attended Pinetop Elementary School in King and Queen County, File School in Caroline County, and Dunbar High School in Washington, D. C.

She joined Jerusalem Baptist Church, Sparta, Virginia at an early age and remained a faithful member serving as: Chairman of Deaconess Board, Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer of Missionary Ministry and President of Usher Board. Deaconess Thomas loved God and her church family.

Deaconess Thomas was united in holy matrimony to the late Clinton T. Thomas and lived in File and Sparta, Virginia. They were blessed with four children as well as being parents to many foster children who were placed in their home for loving care.

She leaves to cherish her memory two devoted daughters: Alma T. Mickens of Sparta, Virginia and Delores T. Pierce of Richmond, Virginia; two sons, Warren P. Thomas, Sr. of St. Louis, Missouri and Kenneth S. Taylor of South Carolina; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a devoted and loving caregiver, Virginia (Cookie) Beasley; a devoted friend, Theresa Crutcher; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Viewing will be held on Friday, November 5, 2010 from Noon to 4:00 PM at C. W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc., 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 and from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at Jerusalem Baptist Church (Sparta), 21180 Bagby Road, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Jerusalem Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.