Mrs. Delores Austin Thomas, 80, passed away, Friday, May 10, 2024, at Hospice House in Monroe.  Born April 3, 1944, in Union County, she was a daughter of the late James Pernay Austin and Ellen Stegall Austin. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Larry Austin and Mert Austin.

Dee was first and foremost a follower of Jesus.  She followed and served her Savior on the mission field locally, regionally, and overseas.  She joyfully served as leader of the Woman's Missionary Union (WMU) in her church for decades and as President of State WMU between 2009-2011.   The great passion of her life was sharing the gospel, which led her to serve regionally from Alaska to Connecticut as well as internationally in Armenia and South Africa.  Dee was "a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov 18:34) as she spent countless hours listening, praying, and shouldering burdens around her kitchen table, at prison, or at workplaces as a chaplain.  In 2023, she was honored for her many years of faithful service by the Baptist State Convention of NC with the NC Baptist Heritage Award.  For her long tenure as an administrative assistant at Wingate University (>35 yrs), the University presented her with the Faith Award in 2005, and she treasured the  many fond memories and lasting friendships made at the school. She sincerely tried to follow 2 Corin 1:3-4: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Dee cherished time with her family, and especially the love of her life for 60 years, Richard.  They served side by side on the mission field and had numerous adventures on western-bound road trips and cruises.  She adored her son Joshua and "daughter-in-love" Amber and was affectionately known as "Grand" to her beloved grandchildren.  Her life profoundly impacted those who knew and loved her.  She will be deeply missed.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Dee will be 11AM, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Deep Springs Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 in the church fellowship building.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 60 years, Richard Glenn Thomas; son, Josh Thomas (Amber); grandchildren, Miriam, Naomi, Noah and Tegan Thomas; siblings, Marie Bagley and Hal Austin (Linda); sister-in-law, Marty Austin Thomas.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Woman's Missionary Union of NC, 205 Convention Drive, Cary, NC 27511.

Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Thomas.