Barbara Thomas

On June 2, 1957-in Marlboro County, South Carolina, the birth of a beautiful bundle of joy, they chose to name Barbara Ann Parnell, completed the union of the late James Andrew Parnell and Pearlie Johnson Parnell. She was her parents only biological child, but she was raised with a special brother assigned to her by God, the late James Willie Parnell. She was truly a family-oriented person who loved to be surrounded by family and friends. Barbara Ann Thomas was a loving and caring wife, mother and friend that did anything she could for someone in need, expecting nothing in return. She also loved to make crafts, collect toys and cards. There is not a birthday, Mother's Day or card received on any other day that she did not cherish and keep. Her loving and caring spirit spilled into every aspect of her life including her service in the home, church and at work. Her last employer was Sunbridge Nursing Home, where she enjoyed working as a nursing assistant. Her life's goal was to be an instrument of God. She reached that goal without fail. She was a faithful, active member of Living Water Baptist Church where she sang on the Spiritual Choir, served as a member of the Missionary Circle and as a Deaconess. Her faithfulness was acknowledged in 2003 when her church family honored her as "The Lady of the Year." Anyone who knew her was drawn to her energetic spirit and that warm smile that always made you feel like you were at home when in her presence.

On the evening of April 23, 2006, Barbara Thomas fell asleep after courageously fighting a battle with her health. Ultimately, she won the Spiritual battle because she knew the battle was not hers, it was the Lord's. She never let the thought of the end of her journey through this life get the best of her and held on to her positive spirit and trust in the Lord.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 27 years, Andrew Thomas, her children, Stephanie Parnell, Adrian Parnell, Andreanna Southerland, Quincy Thomas, Anthony Thomas, all of High Point, NC and Aaron Thomas of the home, her grandchildren, Nicolas, Javan, Alexandria, Trinity all of High Point, NC and Nazaria of Greensboro, NC, mother-in-law, Helen Thomas of Clio, SC, 7 sisters-im-law and 1 brother-in-law, goddaughters, Tikita Dimery, Angel Blake and Tamie Tate and a host of other family members and friends.