Bobbie Lee Harper-Thomas, daughter of Dicie and Peter was born on December 9, 1932, in Winston Salem, NC.

In 1950, Bobbie graduated from Atkins High School, in Winston Salem, NC. In 1954, she received a BA in early education from Winston Salem Teachers College, the first Black institution in the nation to grant degrees for teaching in the elementary grades. In 1972, the college was renamed Winston Salem State University. After earning her degree, Bobbie devoted over 50 years educating generations of first through sixth graders. During her illustrious career, Bobbie taught at North Elementary School, Forest Park Elementary and Cook Middle School. While teaching at North Elementary School, Bobbie taught the majority of the children in her neighborhood. Throughout her career, Bobbie received numerous honors for her extraordinary career in education.

Bobbie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and was a faithful worshipper at St. James AME Church in Winston Salem, NC. Bobbie loved the Lord, her family, cooking, word search puzzles, and reading. Bobbie was a lifelong learner and even in her twilight years enjoyed reading and discussing politics, entertainment, and current events. Bobbie's life reflected the principals her parents instilled in her and she was revered as honest, disciplined, loving, dependable, and trustworthy.

Bobbie departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 11, 2021, after a courageous period of declining health.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her grandmother and grandfather, Betsy and Henry Harper; her parents, Peter and Dicie; her husband, Haywood Thomas Sr.; her son, Haywood Thomas Jr.; and her daughter-in-law Alfreda Wilson- Thomas.

Bobbie leaves to cherish her memoires: sons, Howard, Wayne, and Bryant (Debbie) all of Winston Salem, NC; Barry (Wanda) of Clarksville, TN, and Williford (Crystal) of Alexandria, VA; fifteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; her cousins, Clayborn and Henry Harper; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Thomas may be publicly viewed on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 12:00 PM ~ 5:00 PM at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be private. Interment in Gardens of Memory.

For a copy of the funeral program, click here