Helen Marie Thomas was born August 25, 1942 in Bryantown, MD to the late Mary Simms Bell and Lee Roy Bell. Early on Wednesday morning, September 14, 2011 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, Helen Marie Thomas, transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her beloved husband; John Edward Thomas Sr., sisters; Patricia (Anne) Bell and Alice Washington, and sister-in-law Catherine Plater.

Helen, "Momma Helen" or "MeMe", as she was known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was an active and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bryantown, MD. Helen obtained her education in the Charles County Public School system and graduated from Bel Alton High School in 1961. Helen worked for the Charles County Department of Social Services for many years before retiring to become a wonderful housewife and caring stay-at-home mom.

Helen was a beautiful and loving wife to her beloved husband, John, for 52 years. She was also a very caring and supportive mother to her children. Momma Helen loved spending as much quality time with her family and friends as she possibly could. Her favorite past times included playing cards, purchasing various items at the local yard sales and eating out at restaurants. Helen also gave great pride when entertaining and cooking for family and friends. You could stop by any day of the week and sit down and enjoy a meal fit for a King, because she was a Queen. Helen also took enjoyment in playing her lottery numbers daily, no matter the situation or circumstance; she had to "get her numbers in."

Helen leaves her memory to be cherished by her seven sons; John Jr., Charles, James (Land), George (Bae), Michael, Dwayne and Alonzo Thomas; four daughters; Sandra, Mary (Francine), Carolyn (Shelly) and Terri Thomas; five daughters in-law; Wanda, Stephanie, Katina, Joretta and Laurie Thomas; She also leaves her memory to be cherished by her granddaughter, Hope Goldring, whom she raised as her daughter, and her great grandson, Taahlyejah Cobb whom was the light of her life; three brothers; James (Junior), Francis (Big Boy) and Hilary Bell; three sisters in-law; Joann Matthews, Jean and Pat Bell; one brother in-law; Thomas Matthews; Her very special friends, Emily Dorsey and Shirley Ann Reeves; thirty grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Helen was blessed with such a loving heart that her motherly love poured out to others. With her love she also cared for and created a special bond with nieces; Renee, Jackie and Angel Bell and nephews; Shawn and Aaron Jacks.

Helen touched the lives of each and every person she came in contact with. She was always calling to check on the well being of others no matter what condition she was in. Her laughter and witty remarks gave joy to all those in her presence. She will truly be missed by those who knew and loved her. Helen is now in a better place and we must remember that to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord.

Viewing, 10am until Mass of Christian Burial, 11am, Thursday, September 22, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 13715 Notre Dame Place, Bryantown, Maryland 20617. Interment, Church Cemetery.

Arrangements, entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.