Margarite  Bedford Thomas, 81, of DeRidder, passed from this life on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.  Ms. Thomas retired from Beauregard Memorial Hospital after over 20 years of service.  She was a member of St. Mary COGIC where she enjoyed singing in the choir and she also attended Grace Church.  She was a stern, in-charge, classy lady.

Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Harvey Bedford and wife Jenifer of Missouri City, TX, and Carlton Bradford of DeRidder; daughters, Geraldine Horne and husband Joseph of Oakdale, LA, Aline Bedford of DeRidder, Martha Terrell of DeRidder, Cynthia Gonzales of Seattle, WA and Margaretta Mayes and husband Tim of DeRidder; sisters, Laura Mae Woodley of Many, LA and Haneefah (Velma) Yamini of DeRidder; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lizzie Jones; sister, Annie Prater; brothers, Jack Jones, Frank Jones and Berchie B. Jones; son, Robert Bedford; daughter, Bobbie Bedford and grandson, Curtis Lee Bedford.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013 from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Funeral services will be Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 3:00pm at Myer-Colonial Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder.  Rev. Robert L. Mayes and Rev. James Glass will officiate.