Bette K. Thomas, 75, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021.

Bette, an Indianapolis native, graduated from George Washington High School and Butler University where she was a debate coach. She also coached debate at Bowling Green University. Her passion was teaching for which she was the recipient of numerous awards. She taught Public Speaking at Ohio State, William and Mary, Christopher Newport University and most recently until her retirement, at TNCC where she dedicated over 20 years to her students and the school. She also helped run the family business Thomas Advertising and did so up until her passing.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Marlo Thomas Powell, son-in-law Paul;grandchildren, Gavyn and Emma Jo Johnson; bonus grandchildren, Rebecca, Jesse, Laura, Timothy, Tabitha, Allison and Jason Powell. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Kathleen Hamming (Tom) and sister-in-law Penny Landrigan; nieces, nephews, many friends, colleagues and former students and her beloved dachshund, Luke. She was preceded in death by the love her life, David Thomas, who passed away October 2020.

A visitation will be held May 28, 2021 from 6 to 7 PM at W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home in Newport News. Memorial services will be private with family.

Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.