B.J. Thomas

Trinity – Brenda Jo Thomas, "BJ", of Trinity, died August 7, 2025. She was 82. Ms. Patricia Hester, long-time companion was by her side at Graybrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

BJ was born January 18, 1943, int High Point to Olive Mongomery, "Pug", Thomas and Ruth Adele Packerd Thomas. She attended High Point City Schools and graduated from High Point High School in 1961. She was active in many sports programs. She attended Western Carolina University for two years before transferring to High Point College to complete her education with a degree in Physical Education in 1965.

Coach Thomas began her teaching/coaching career at Ferndale Junior High. When Andrews High School opened, she moved and began her long and successful career at the new high school. She was instrumental in creating the school's strong women's athletic department and its many teams. She remained a proud Red Raider for her 30-year career. During that time, she won many championships in volleyball, basketball, and track. She was a mentor to many young teachers/coaches through the years. She considered all her athletes her children and had nicknames for most of them. She was inducted into the Andrews High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994.

Brenda was passionate about dogs and had more than 30 in her lifetime. During summers, she enjoyed traveling in her motorhome with her dogs and visited all 50 states. She also loved Disneyland and enjoyed sharing her trips with others.

Ms. Thomas was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, now with First Methodist Church. In her younger years, BJ traveled with youth groups on APS trips to various locations to participate in numerous projects. She was a member of St. Stephen's Ministry, and Lloyd's Joyful Sound Band. She also played for the Lady Hornets softball team coached by Pete Brown.

She was preceded in death by both parents, sister, Judy Whitley, and brother, Jerry Thomas. She leaves behind her long-time companion, Pat Hester, "adopted son", Hunter Allred, of the home, several cousins, and close friends including Debbie Johnson, BJ Clary, and Sue Shinn.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Graybrier, Susan, Lauren, Cheryl and other staff members for their loving care of Brenda.

Coach Thomas touched many lives with her sense of humor, compassion, "go get 'em' attitude" and Red Raider Pride.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to either Paws 4 Ever, 6311 Nick Rd., Mebane, NC 27302, or to the Youth ASP Fund, First United Methodist Church, 512 N. Main St., High Point, NC 27260.

Online condolences can be made at www.cumbyfuneral.com. Arrangements by Cumby Family Funeral Service in High Point.