Bertha Mae Thomas, 89, of Orange, passed away on December 22, 2022, peacefully at home surrounded by family.

A private graveside service will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be T.J. Gunter, Clay Thomas, Chad Gilbeaux, Charlie Thomas, and Reece Thomas.

Born in Opelousas, Louisiana, on December 30, 1932, she was the daughter of Adrian Peveto and Anita (Richard) Peveto. Bertha was very strong in her faith. She loved being able to take care of family and enjoyed cooking wonderful cajun dishes. Bertha would then make sure her children knew all of her secrets to the amazing food. She made wonderful friends everywhere she went and never met a stranger. Family was her everything and she loved them very much. Bertha was a kind soul and will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Morris Truman “Junior” Thomas, Jr.; daughters, Anita Beth Hinds and Becky Ann Brister; granddaughter, Amy Gunter; grandson, Dustin Brister; and siblings, Gloria Gaulene, Kermit Nezat, and Frank Nezat.

She is survived by her children, Morris “Tugie” Thomas III and wife Kim, David Thomas and wife Brenda, Susan Gilbeaux and husband Rickey, and Jodie Gunter and husband, Jimmy; grandchildren, Clay Thomas, Brandi Thomas Helms, Reece Thomas, Heather Thomas King, Charlie Thomas, Mandy Thomas Donnaud, Chad Gilbeaux, Kristin Gilbeaux, T.J. Gunter, Susan Gunter, Danny Brister, Lisa Brister, Stephany Brister, Amber Hinds Williams, and Erin Hinds Dwight; Brother, Mark Nezat; 28 great-grandchildren; and her fur baby “My Boy”.

Services are under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.