With enduring love, the family of Suzonne Denise Thomas announces her passing after a months-long battle with cancer on April 23, 2018.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Denise was born on May 11, 1962 and spent her childhood and teen years heavily involved in her church and Baptist youth group as a beloved member, supporter and mentor. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University focusing in Juvenile Justice.
After graduating, Denise went to work with foster youth at Edna Gladney Home in Fort Worth. She later moved to Victoria, Texas working six years with drug-addicted youth at Devereux Behavioral Services. Subsequently, she moved back to Fort Worth to work for The Bridge, a shelter for homeless youth. Denise also worked for Buckner Children’s Home in Dallas serving youth in the juvenile crime system.
Denise later began visiting Minnesota and fell in love with the scenic landscapes and people of the area. She eventually moved to Minnesota and happily lived for the next 16 years in beautiful Grand Marais, developing many friendships, working and becoming an integral part of the community.
Denise was ever a devoted Aunt to her nieces and nephews and is remembered with deep love by them all. She is preceded in death by her father, James Ray Thomas, survived by her mother, Jeni Thomas, sister, Debbie Beyea, brother, Steven Thomas (Melinda), niece, Jennifer Pope (Andrew), niece, Stephanie Houlihan (Patrick), nephew, Phillip Beyea (Jody), nephew, Zach Thomas, nephew, Galen Beyea, and nine grandnieces/nephews.
A celebration of Denise’s life was held on April 27th, 2018 in Fort Worth, Texas. Donations in Denise’s memory may be made to Community Hospice of Texas, 6100 Western Place, Suite 105, Fort Worth, TX 76107, or online at www.chot.org/about/ donate-to-us/.
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