Obituary of Cora E. Thomas

Cora E. Thomas, 81, of Hopewell Township died Friday, September 11, 2015 at Inspira Regional Medical Center in Vineland. A lifetime Bridgeton area resident, she was born in Bridgeton and was the daughter of the late Howard L. Coursey and Louise Jackson Coursey and was the wife of the late Charles A. Thomas. A devoted educator, she had been Principal at both the Quarter Mile Lane and Buckshutem Elementary Schools prior to her retirement. She had also previously taught at various grade levels at Bridgeton High School. Mrs. Thomas was educated at Vine Street Elementary School, Bridgeton High School graduating with the Class of 1951, Wilberforce University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1955 and Glassboro State College where she received her Masters Degree in 1976. She was an active member of Crusaders for Christ Church in Bridgeton where she had served as a Sunday School Teacher and Director of Education. Through the years she had been honored by the Bridgeton African American Union, Bridgeton Women’s Political Club, the Black Hall of Fame and was selected as Alpha Delta Kappa’s Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2003. She had also served on the Board of Trustees of Cumberland County College. She is survived by her daughter, Tanya S. Thomas of Hopewell Twp. and her sister, Ethel Coursey of Hopewell Twp. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard “Hop” Coursey, Richard “Puddie” Coursey, John Coursey, Donald “Duck” Coursey and Edward Coursey. Funeral services will be held at Crusaders for Christ Church, 33 Reeves Road, Bridgeton on Saturday, September 19th at 11 AM. Friends will be received from 9 to 11 AM prior to the services at the church. Burial will take place at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton. Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Twp. Written condolences can be sent to the family at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.