Martha B. (Brode) Thomas

Martha B. Thomas, age 102, of Bedford, formerly of Delmont, Turtle Creek and Wilkins Twp, died Sunday, July 19, 2020 at home at Colonial Courtyard in Bedford.  She was born January 7, 1918 in Coalmont, daughter to the late Dorsey and Luella Brode. 

Martha lived in Coalmont during her younger years and graduated from Robertsdale High School.  She married the love of her life, Avery Thomas in 1940, and they resided in Six Mile Run.  In 1941, Martha gave birth to her beloved daughter Lucinda Dianne.  Several years later, Martha and Avery moved to the Pittsburgh area and resided there for most of their lives.   They were married 60 years.

“Nana”, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was as beloved as one can be to her grandchildren.  She will always be remembered first and foremost as a woman who loved, feared and adored her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.   She made all of her relationships her top priority.  Anyone that the Lord put in her path, she wanted to reach out and love.  Martha never met a stranger.   For her family, Martha was defined by giving unconditional love.   Although she is now experiencing great joy with her Lord and reuniting with loved ones, her family and friends here on earth will miss her greatly.   Her loyalty to her family and friends knew no bounds.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Avery C. Thomas in 2001, daughter Dianne Thomas Sultan in 1997; brother Ross Blair Brode in 2004 and three brothers who died in infancy.

She is survived by her granddaughter Mara S. Sultan of Lancaster, Pa; grandson Aaron and his wife Cheryl of Rolesville, North Carolina, and six great-grandchildren:  Karen (Sal) Vazquez, Melissa, Julie, Laura, Adam and Beth, all of North Carolina.  She is also survived by two nephews Ross (Sharon) Brode of Reedsville, PA and Steve (Amy) Brode of Florida, and niece Vonna (Mark) Thomas of Florida; and the many friends that she absolutely adored and were family to her.

A Private Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett, PA with Pastor Dana Umbel officiating.  Burial will be held at Fockler Cemetery in Saxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Central Blind Association, 202 South Juliana St, Bedford; and the Saxton Church of God, 1018 6th Street, Saxton, PA.

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