Eliza Gerelda Thomas

Nahunta – Eliza “Bet” Gerelda Thomas, 79, of Nahunta passed away Monday afternoon (November 25, 2024) at Hospice of South Georgia in Jesup,GA after an extended illness.

Born in Nahunta, GA her parents were James Edward Willis and Elma Louise Lewis Willis. She is also preceded in death by 2 brothers, Tommy Willis and Julian Willis; and a sister, Darlene Willis Johns.

Bet retired from CSX, where she was the first female electrician apprentice ever in the state of Georgia and was a member of Community Christian Church in Raybon,GA. She was a loving mother, grandmother and homemaker who loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and being with family and friends during the Holidays. Bet never met a stranger and was a very giving person who would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed doing word searches, sewing, traveling, fishing and working in her flowers bed.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Richard Brian Thornton (Ruby) of Townsend, GA; 4 daughters and a son-in-law, Teresa Brooker of Nahunta, GA, Sheila Tripp (Brick) of Jonesboro, GA,  Angela Mock and Holly Thomas both of Nahunta, GA; 11 grandchildren, Jason Brooker, Jamie Brooker, Savanna Tripp, Bricklyn Tripp, John Ruesga, Stephanie Ruesga, B.J. Mock, Michael Mock (Sheena), Mallory Gibson (Jerimey), Hudson Crews and Parker Herrin; 9 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; 4 brothers and sisters-in-law, J.B. Willis (Mabel) of Hortense, GA, Gary Willis, Virgil Willis and Travis Willis (Lynn) all of Raybon, GA; a sister, Ivalyn Willis of Nahunta, GA; 2 sisters-in-law, Diane Willis of Hickox, GA and Ila Waters of Nahunta, GA; and also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday afternoon (November 30, 2024) starting at 1pm at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta, GA.

A funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon (November 30, 2024) at 2pm at the chapel of Frye Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Whaley and Bro. David Herrin officiating. Burial will follow in Oakgrove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be John Ruesga, Jason Brooker, B.J. Mock, Michael Mock, Hudson Crews and Parker Herrin.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta, GA.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.