Mary Elaine Bissette Thomas

Mary Elaine Bissette Thomas, loving wife, mother, Nana, and great Nana, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 in Raleigh, NC after 91 years of a life well lived. Elaine was born on May 12,1933 in Middlesex, NC to Amos Cleveland Bissette and Belle Lewis Bissette. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Al Thomas, as well her two brothers Harold Bissette and Steve Bissette and her sister, Barbara Dunbar. She grew up attending schools in Middlesex, NC and attended Hardbarger Business College.Elaine loved her family with her heart and soul. She and Al shared a love story that provided a wonderful example for their children and grandchildren. Her favorite times were any occasion spent with family, including preparing feasts, hosting family gatherings, and spending beach vacations together. She loved to laugh, sing, and dance with her grandchildren, and she had a gift for appreciating the simple things in life - conversation, a walk, and nature, especially plants and the moon. She was fully present in every situation, whether momentous or ordinary, and always wanted to hear more about the other person than she wanted to share about herself. Elaine exuded joy and consistently exemplified faith, love, and kindness, inspiring those around her to do the same. Elaine loved the Lord and lived an active life of service as a faithful church member throughout her lifetime. Directing the kindergarten program at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church was a passion of hers for many years. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and participating in Womens Circles. Throughout her years as a member of Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, she dedicated her time to Presbyterian Women, Stephen Ministry, the Diaconate, and the Mixed Adults Sunday School class. She was known for her ministry of letter writing to shut-ins and those experiencing illness or grief and extended her letter writing to family and friends. She is survived by her four children: Philip Thomas of Raleigh, Deborah Davis (John) of Garner, David Thomas (Lisa) of Cornelius, and Melanie Biddell (David) of Raleigh, Elaine was very proud of her beautiful grandchildren: Heather Davis Cones (Jaron), Hillary Davis Eastwood (Dennis), Kendall Thomas, Luke Thomas, Caitlin Biddell (Patrick Boynton), Drew Biddell (Jenna), and Grace Biddell, as well as her great grandson, Olsen Cones.A celebration of Elaines life followed by a reception will be held on Monday, November 25 at 2:00 pm at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4921 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, you may consider donations to the Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Foundation.The family would like to thank her Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church family as well as her caregivers at UNC Rex Rehab and NursingCare Center of Raleigh and Transitions LifeCare.Arrangements by Cremation Society of the Carolinas, 2205 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC.
Celebration of Life and Legacy
Monday, November 25, 2024
2:00 PM -
Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church
4921 Six Forks Rd
Raleigh NC 27609
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Funeral HomeCremation Society of the Carolinas
2205 East Millbrook Road
Raleigh NC - 27604
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(919) 571-3300
(919) 877-0207
(800) 993-5333 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mary, please visit our Tree Store.