B. Charlene Thomas

life story

In Loving Memory

Mrs. B. Charlene Thomas, of Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She spent her final days in the kind care of St. Anthony Park Home in St. Paul, MN, surrounded by her loving children.

Born July 18, 1929, in Hollis, OK, she lived a long life, filled with wonder, joy, hardship, faith, hope and love. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Glenn V. Thomas, cherished children John A. and Cheryl R. Thomas, and parents Charles E. and Rosa E. (Atwood) Morris, and siblings Edward Morris, Lincoln Morris (Pat), and Mona Robertson (Bob), brother-in-law Tony Sumpter, and half-brothers L. Charles Morris, Thomas “Tommy Cecil” Morris, and A. James Morris.

Charlene is survived by her children Peter A., Charles G., Wesley R. and Cynthia A. Thomas (Jonathan D. Sweet), her grandchildren John T. M. Whiteman (Kelsey A. Berryhill), Løvetann T. Ripoll and Glenna P. Whiteman, and sister B. Sue Sumpter.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 13, 2024, at Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA. Pastor Caesar David, officiant. Visitation is at 10 a.m., with service at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments and social time. (Links below to join service remotely.)

Charlene will be interred at a later date, with her husband Glenn, at LifePoint (formerly Storden Baptist) Church Cemetery, in Storden, MN, on the prairie they both loved.

For more details, stories and remembrances see below.

Link to watch service "live" (if interrupted, it may not be available until after 12:30pm CST): https://tinyurl.com/Charlene-Celebration

Link to program: https://tinyurl.com/Charlene-Celebration-documents

Link to music on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/Charlene-Celebration-music

memorial service

Celebration of Life for B. Charlene Thomas

July 13, 2024

Union Park United Methodist Church 2305 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50316, USA

Memorial Service

July 13, 2024

Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA. Pastor Caesar David, officiant

Visitation: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Service: 11 a.m. - 11:45

Fellowship: Pies and refreshments after service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services

A Life Lived Fully

Charlene's life was characterized by a love for learning and educating, generosity even in scarcity, and a devotion to her family and her Christian faith. Her favorite books were biographies. She was fascinated by human nature, and people who lived lives that served others, the Creator and the greater good. She demonstrated that kindness, and a big smile could go a long way. She hurt when others hurt, and hated that anyone should go without food or shelter, she believed the earth should be cared for, that Veterans should be treated with dignity, and in that spirit found many charities that became important to her heart.

Charlene was a dedicated daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, homemaker, and skilled educator. She met her husband Glenn, while teaching Home Economics at the college level. When he asked what it would take to marry her, she replied, “I want to see the world.” And so they did.

Read more about her life and adventures below.

Young life in Oklahoma and family

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Early Adulthood

Education, career, meeting Glenn

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Glenn V. Thomas

Farm life, Military service, Education, Career, meeting Charlene

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