Norfolk - Beatrice Wood Thomas, 90, of Norfolk, Virginia quietly slipped away from her earthly body and was given her heavenly wings on November 27, 2014 at Sentara Leigh Hospital. Beatrice was predeceased by her parents, Sarah and Tilton Wood, of Norfolk, Virginia, her late Husband, James M. Thomas Sr. of Hobson, Virginia, her brothers, Willie and Clifton Wood, three sisters, Georgia Wood, Geneva Ford, and Alberta Watson. She was painfully, predeceased by two of her children, James M. Thomas Jr., and Ava Thomas Paxton.

Survivors, include, a daughter, Althea Thomas Wynn (Chesapeake, Va.), five grandchildren, Keisha Paxton (Alexandria, Va.), Dwayne Paxton Jr, (Va. Beach, Va.), Brian Paxton,(Norfolk, Va.), DeVaughn Wynn, and Trevor Wynn, (Chesapeake, Va.), and four Great-grand children, Crystal Morrison (Alexandria, Va.), Amani Morrison (Oakland, Ca.), Jordan Edwards (Alexandria, Va.), and Braezyk Wynn (Chesapeake, Va.). She also leaves behind a host of family members and friends.

Beatrice attended Norfolk County Schools in her early years and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She received her Bachelor's degree from Virginia State University, where she graduated with honors in English. She received her Master's Degree from Columbia University and pursued 30 hours beyond her masters.

Beatrice was first employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a high school English Teacher. As an educator, she assumed many hats and had the opportunity to influence many children's lives. As a dedicated educator for many years she quickly moved up the ladder to the administrative level before retiring from Norfolk Public Schools. She diligently served in Norfolk Public Schools for over 40 years of service.

Beatrice also dedicated her life's work to Mount Zion Baptist Church in Berkley, for many years and later assumed membership at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church, for the past 42 years. As a committed member, she was instrumental in the development and operation of the church such as "historian", and Pre-School visionary. She also worked diligently in the Hospitality Ministry, the church "Historian" as well as and offering services for Meals on Wheels to seniors.

Beatrice was initiated as a member of "Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated" in 1946 at Va. State University. As a dedicated member, and chairperson, she spent many years committed to community service and sisterhood in the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter. We will miss your presence, but your love, kindness, patience, wisdom and works will forever be etched in our hearts.

Beatrice rests peacefully at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, 500 Liberty St., Chesapeake, until her viewing and home going funeral service, which will both be held at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2201 Wingfield Ave, Chesapeake, Va. The viewing will be December 2, 2014 from 6:00pm until 7:00pm. Funeral service will be held, December 3, 2014 at 11:00am. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com