Jan. 27, 1929 –

Jan. 31, 2012

A private graveside interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery near Chattahoochee, Fla. is planned for Mrs. Chiquita Marie “Chuck” Burkette Thomas, 83, who died Jan. 31, 2012, in Bainbridge, where she resided for 52 years.

She was born in Marianna, Fla. on Jan. 27, 1929, the daughter of Emmett Alton Burkette and Bessie Marie Penton. In 1946, she was the valedictorian of her graduation class at Chattahoochee High School and later entered Florida State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950.

Upon performing an internship at Florida State Hospital, she became certified and licensed as a Medical Technologist. She married Paul Nathaniel Thomas Jr. in 1950, and beginning in 1960 she assisted in the management of her husband’s business, a business primarily providing land clearing services in southwest Georgia for farmers developing new crop fields, until his death from A.L.S. in 1979.

She enjoyed reading, playing golf and bridge, watching FSU and Georgia Tech football (win or lose) and talking with her close friends about life.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Jaime Burkette Thomas.

Survivors include one son, Paul N. “Chip” Thomas III and wife Rebecca of Tallahassee, Fla.; her assistant and friend for more than 40 years, Louise Close of Bainbridge; one sister, Sue Shelby of Fairhope, Ala.; and a little dog named “Amazing Grace.”

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Assisted Living Community, Memorial Hospital of Bainbridge Emergency and Intensive Care Units, Memorial Manor and Gentiva Hospice. A special thanks to her friends throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution or donation to your favorite mentoring program or charitable organization.

Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home of Tallahassee is in charge of the arrangements.