Ms. Betty Louise Thomas

Betty was born August 29, 1936 to William and Mable Powell, in Alexandria, Virginia. She attended George Washington High School.

On July 2nd 1954, Chester Thomas, married his high school sweetheart, Betty Powell, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Betty has a diverse work history with jobs that allowed her to do what she enjoyed: caring for children and helping others. Her first job was with the National Security Agency (NSA) in a secretarial typing pool. Once she had children, she became a full-time homemaker. In 1982 Betty and her family relocated from Clinton, Maryland to Jacksonville, Florida. There Betty returned to school and earned certifications to take on employment with Beaches Academy Daycare, caring for six babies.

After her divorce, Betty returned to Alexandria Virginia. There she took up employment with Party Time Gifts and Supplies located in Bradlee Shopping Center. Upon returning to the Maryland area she began working for United Bank and Trust Company in the Finance Department. After leaving the bank, she then found rewarding employment at Spring Dell Center, LaPlata, MD helping care for adults with developmental disabilities until her retirement at age 68.

In her younger days, Betty enjoyed bowling and was part of a league. She loved to dance! She was a member of the Beach Boppers Association in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mabel Powell, sisters Joanne Wenzke and Lynda Norton.

Betty is survived by her former spouse, Chester Thomas, her children Michael Thomas (wife Ramona), Cynthia Thomas, Debra Settle and Janet Cross (husband Kevin). As well as her grandchildren Matthew Thomas, Sean Settle, Jessica Settle, Emily Cross, Caleb Cross and three great grandchildren Max Thomas, Liliana Mitchell and Sutton Settle.

Service Information:

· Visitation will be held on November 14, 2020 from 10:00am – 12:00pm at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA.

· Funeral Service will be held on November 14, 2020 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. With social distancing requirements, 90 guests are permitted.

· Graveside Service will be held on November 14, 2020 at 1:00pm at National Cemetery, 7842 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA. Allowance for social distancing provides a tent with seating for eight and outside viewing requirements for 250 guests.

River of Sorrow

by Todd Nigro

Drinking from the waters of sorrow

sustains a different kind of life.

This river is hidden

from the rest of the world.

Tears drip from my chin and fall into

an endless flow of liquid love.

This river sparkles with beauty.