Betty Dye Thomas

Betty Dye Thomas, 96, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away on September 28, 2026, at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center.

Born on December 9, 1929, in Plant City, Florida, Betty spent her childhood moving with her family before settling in Lake Wales, Florida, where she graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1947. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Harold Thomas. In 1960, Betty and Harold made their home in Lakeland, where she lived in the same south Lakeland residence for more than six decades.

Betty enjoyed a distinguished career as a bookkeeper for 43 years, working alongside her beloved husband, Harold, who practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in Lakeland for 53 years.

A charter member of Lakeside Baptist Church and a devoted member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for 75 years, Betty lived a life centered on faith, family, and friendship. She loved cooking meals for those she cared about, tending her garden, fishing, and spending time at her beloved mountain home in Franklin, North Carolina.

Betty had a zest for life and enjoyed every opportunity to have fun. She was an enthusiastic football fan who faithfully cheered for the University of Florida Gators and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She loved trips to the casino and could happily spend hours playing the slot machines. In fact, one of her last adventures was a casino visit while enjoying time in North Carolina earlier this month.

Proud to be both a Floridian and a Southerner, Betty appreciated life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed an occasional Manhattan on the rocks, made with Canadian Club and garnished with olives, just the way she liked it.

More than anything, Betty treasured her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love and support never wavered. Known affectionately as "Bebe," a nickname lovingly given by a grandchild learning to say "Betty," she embraced that name with pride. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, good food, and unconditional love, and she cherished every moment spent with her family.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, her loyalty, her quick wit, and her ability to make those around her feel loved. Her family finds comfort in knowing she lived a full and remarkable life, rich in faith, friendship, laughter, and love.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 70 years, Harold Thomas.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Stout (James) of Dade City, Florida; her son, Frank Thomas (Michelle) of Orlando, Florida; three grandchildren, Christopher Dye (Season), Kelly Thomas, and Nicole Yinger (Kyle); one great-grandson, John Clinton Dye; five step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends during a visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, Florida. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.