Lee Pickney Thomas

Lee Alice was born in Opelousas, Louisiana, to Sarah Pickney and Joseph Thomas. She was the eldest of five children: Laney, Francis, Iris, and Hamon. In 1954, she welcomed her firstborn, Josephine, in Opelousas, Louisiana. As a young adult, Lee relocated to New York City, where she married Elton Thomas and became a devoted mother to Eldonna and Mary. Lee was a proud and loving grandmother to Charon Walters, Willie Walters Jr., and Nileja Stephens. She absolutely loved family gatherings filled with good music, delicious food, and plenty of laughter. A trip to the casino was one of her favorite pastimes. She began her career as a phone operator for Verizon, where she worked diligently for many years. After retirement, she continued serving others as a part-time private caregiver. Her Godchildren, Gershom Washington and Sandra Romar, held a special place in her heart. Lee was bold, vibrant, and full of humor. She had a deep love for Tupac, enjoyed playing cards, and often pulled playful tricks on people just to see their reaction. She was spunky, stylish, and forever youthful in spirit. She was blessed to see the next generation come into the world, becoming a great-grandmother to Chayla, Amaya, and Amar’e. Lee Alice lived a life full of laughter, love, and legacy—and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel.