Margaret "Bebe" Higdon Smith

1941 - 2025

In Loving Memory of Mother Lizzie Mae Bryant Thomas:


Dear Family and Friends:

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Mother Lizzie Mae Bryant Thomas on November 28, 2025, at her home surrounded by family. Preceding her in death were her son Michael, her parents George Bryant, Sr. and Paralee Bryant, brothers George Bryant, Jr., Charles Bryant, Sr., and James Bryant, Sr., and sisters, Arliver Brady, Elouise Jackson, Elease Brown, Pauline Hickman, and Juanita Bryant.

Born on June 14, 1941, in Quincy, Florida, Lizzie was the beloved daughter of the late George and Paralee Bryant. She graduated from Carter-Parramore High School, a place of pride and accomplishment, where she excelled as a member of the basketball team that won the State Championship. It was there that she met the love of her life, Anthony Thomas Sr. They were married on August 28, 1962, beginning a union that lasted more than 63 years and blessed them with five children. Her legacy at Carter-Parramore was honored when she was inducted into the Carter-Parramore High School Hall of Fame in 2018.

Lizzie pursued higher education with determination, earning her Associate degree from Allan Hancock College, Vandenburg, California, followed by both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Early Childhood Education from Alabama State University. As an Air Force wife, she taught in classrooms across Wichita, Kansas; RAF England; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Ramstein, Germany. She later returned home to Gadsden County, where she continued to inspire young minds at Stewart Street Elementary School and St. John Elementary School. Beyond the classroom, Lizzie also served as a tutor, offering guidance and encouragement to students who needed extra support.

Lizzie embraced Christianity at a young age and lived her faith with devotion. She was an active member of New Direction Christian Center Church, where she joyfully and faithfully served on the Mother's Board. She was also one of the pioneers of the Ministry, beginning with its birth on October 14, 2001. Over the years, Mother Thomas served as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Mother's Board, a Trustee Board member, the church's most trusted Accountant, Vice Chair of the Pastor's Aide Committee, and a dedicated member of the Senior Choir.

Her commitment to service extended fa4r beyond the church and classroom. She was a proud member of:

* Tau Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated* * Sponsor for over 10 years of the Tau Zeta Chapter Zeta Amicae of Quincy, Florida

* Life member of the Gadsden County Chapter of the NAACP * American Legion Auxiliary * Gadsden County Classroom Teachers' Association * Officer Wives Softball Team * Civic service as an Election Officer and Precinct Chief, and during periods of early voting, as Clerk for the City of Havana.

She was deeply involved in her childrens' lives, serving as a tee-ball coach and later as a soccer coach and referee for her youngest son's teams.

In retirement, Lizzie found joy in traveling to Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, and she loved taking cruises with friends and family, creating cherished memories that reflected her adventurous spirit and love of togetherness.

Lizzie touched countless lives with her kindness, dedication, and unwavering spirit of service. She is survived by her devoted husband Anthony, daughter Yolanda of Quincy, Florida, sons Anthony Jr. of Reanoke, Texas, Isaac(Cassundrea) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Malik of Quincy, Florida. She is also survived by two siblings: Shirley Bryant of Quincy, Florida, and nephew raised as brother Burnette Bell Sr., of Quincy, Florida; one sister-in-law Cora Bryant of Mystic, Georgia; five grandchildren: Isaac Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida; Anthony III (Trey) of Roanoke, Texas; Keith (Jay) of Las Vegas, NV; Adriel of Jacksonville, Florida; and Macayla of Quincy, Florida; one great-grandchild Leo of Roanoke, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grand- mother, aunt, and friend whose legacy of faith, education, and service will endure.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at East Gadsden High School Gymnasium of Havana, Florida. Viewing will be from 6pm - 8pm, Friday, December 5, 2025 at New Direction Christian Center, Quincy, Florida. Burial will be at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, Tallahassee, Florida.

Lizzie will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

With love and remembrance,

The Thomas Family

Services entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Quincy, Florida.