Dorothy Dean “Doris” Ussery Thomas, 88, of Rockingham, passed away surrounded by her loving family Jan. 29, 2025 at Richmond County Hospice Haven.
Doris was a daughter of the late James and Lillie Ussery, born July 31, 1936 in Richmond County.
Doris was a woman that truly loved helping other people. From her work as an activity director at Palmer Hinson Skilled Nursing Facility, to baking a cake for a grieving family, she was always ready to lend a helping hand. In her career at Palmer Hinson Skilled Nursing Facility, she initially started as an aide and would later become their activity director. Doris worked there from the minute their doors opened until they ultimately closed.
Doris was a member of Cartledge Creek Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught the nursery Sunday school for many years. She eventually would join Beverly Hills Baptist Church. She was also active with the churches' Women’s Missionary organizations.
In Doris’ spare time, she loved to bake and cook. She loved hosting and attending family events and get-togethers and would always bake one of her infamous cakes or pies. Doris was never afraid to speak her mind and was a humorous woman. She loved fishing, tending to the beautiful flowers in her garden as well as the vegetables she grew.
Above all, her family was most important to her. She cherished them all dearly. Doris was a devoted woman to her family, her faith, and her community. She is a woman who will be missed by many.
Doris is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lillie Ussery; a son, Calvin Webb; brothers J.W. Ussery, Cecil Ussery, Bud Ussery, Jasper Ussery, Bill Ussery and James Ussery; sisters Mary Gardner, Lillian White, Josephine Deberry, Ida Mae Faucett, and Cornelia Baker.
Doris is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Bobby Thomas, of the home; a son, Randy Webb (Sandra) of Rockingham; grandchildren Brian Webb (Jackie), Daniel Webb and Stephen Webb (Molly); great-grandchildren Tyler Webb, Mackenzie Webb, Alivia Webb, Briley Webb, Wade Webb, Walt Webb and Elijah Webb; five great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Victoria Webb; stepsons Jimmy Thomas and Mike Thomas; and numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Doris is also survived by her canine companion, Baby Girl.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at Beverly Hills Baptist Church. A funeral will proceed at 12:30 p.m. with the Rev. Tim Hawks and the Rev. Lenier Furr officiating. Burial will follow at Northam Cemetery Extension.
The family would like to thank Richmond County Hospice for their dedicated care for Doris in her final days. The family also appreciates all the care and concern from friends and family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Beverly Hills Baptist Church Building Fund at 110 Kemberly St., Rockingham, NC 28379; or to Richmond Co. Hospice at 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1 Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Thomas family.
