Nellie Berneice Thomas

Nellie Berniece Thomas, 75, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at UnityPoint Taylor House.

Berniece was born on November 15, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Virgil and Colleen (Williams) Thomas. She grew up in Des Moines, graduating from North High School before continuing her education at Des Moines Area Community College. Berniece dedicated 14 years of compassionate service to Iowa Methodist Hospital as a clinical partner, where her care touched many lives before her retirement.

A woman of many passions, Berniece found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gardening, traveling, and going out to eat with friends and family. Her hands were rarely still, whether she was picking sweet strawberries or meticulously embroidering tea towels for those she loved.

Berniece’s legacy lives on through her family. She is survived by the father of her children and best friend, Bill McElvogue; her children, William (Ellie) McElvogue, Thomas (Ladawn) McElvogue, and Laurie (Jim) Cronin; sisters, Kelly Thomas (Clark Shockley), Shanel (David) Dearinger, Sherri (Randy) Thomas; brother, Clarence Thomas; as well as her eight cherished grandchildren and sixteen adored great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Colleen Thomas; her grandchildren, Tasha, David, and Baby James; and her nephew, "Little Joe."

Family will greet guests during a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home; 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Berniece will be laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UnityPoint Taylor House in grateful recognition of their tender care.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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