Sadie Delores Thomas, 87, departed this life and entered eternal rest on May 10, 2026.  Born on August 1, 1938, in Dickerson, Maryland, Sadie was the daughter of the late Grant Ulysses Bell Sr. and Ida Mae Williams Bell. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Rockville, Maryland.  On August 17, 1963, Sadie married the love of her life, the late James Louis Thomas. From this union came three children: James Rodney Thomas, Sheena Elois Thomas and Karen Stephanie Nettles.  Known affectionately as “Lorsey” by family and friends, Sadie professed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and joined Warren United Methodist Church (Warren Historic Site) in the Martinsburg community of Dickerson, Maryland.  She later continued her walk of faith as a longtime member of Jerusalem-Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Rockville, Maryland.  After the passing of her husband, Sadie moved to Rockville as the sole provider for her children.   She bought a house and worked diligently throughout her life until her retirement in 2004.  Sadie found joy in many things.  She loved cooking for her family during the holidays and was especially known for her famous macaroni and cheese, a dish often requested at gatherings.  Her greatest pride, however, was her yard.  Her home was the standout of the neighborhood, and she delighted in tending to her lawn and flowers- often saying, “Look at my flowers, aren’t they beautiful.”

A woman of style and creativity, Sadie enjoyed decorating and later took up crafting silk flower arrangements.  She sold her creations at flea markets, displayed them in churches, and designed bouquets and table arrangements for several weddings. Her work was so admired that she received more requests than she could fill so eventually gave it up.  Sadie was known for her style, and she took pride in her appearance and attire. Though she wasn’t fond of extensive travel, she loved trips to Atlantic City and playing Bingo weekly, where she was known for her luck.  She often bought her daughters along, creating cherished memories.  Sadie also treasured time spent with family and often reminisced about her annual summer cook outs – joyful gatherings that grew so large the backyard could barely hold everyone.  These moments brought her immense happiness.      

Sadie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers Earl “Brother” Bell and Grant Ulysses Bell Jr.; her sisters, Eleanor Mae Triplett, Pauline Virginia Bell, Lorraine Rebecca Bell, and Myra Malinda Thomas-Mack.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her children; her grandchildren, Shannon Elise Fleming and Devonis Alphonso Nettles;  her brother Lewis Bell (Vern); her sister Elsie Thomas; her brother in-law Larry Thomas (Mattie); her sister-in laws Shirley Thompson, Teressa Thomas  and Marcella Bell; her God son Steven (Stevie) Triplett; God daughter Vanessa “ Nessy” Morris; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her deeply.