Thomasina M. Davis Thacker Briggs was born June 30, 1929 in Columbia, South Carolina. She and her two sisters were reared by their aunt, Elnora Neely, and uncle, Josephus Neely, along with their three children, who instilled in her a love of education and public service.

“Thom” as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was educated in the public schools of Columbia at Waverly Elementary and Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1946. She received a bachelor degree in Social Sciences and History from North Carolina A&T State University. Graduate studies were pursued at Howard University, and her Master of Education was earned at the University of South Carolina.

She taught for several years in the public school system at Perrin Thomas Elementary and Wardlaw Jr. High. Her work experience included the University of South Carolina where she was employed as an instructor.

As a member of Zion Baptist Church, Thom served as a primary Sunday school teacher and worked diligently in the Vacation Bible School as a music teacher and Bible instructor. She was instrumental in organizing and developing one of the first Educational Enrichment Programs with a church based in Columbia for African-American youth at Zion Baptist Church. Accepting a challenge from former Chancellor Dowdy of NC A&T State University, she and several other missionaries moved on towards implementing a viable program in the church. Thom organized and directed the first Bell Choir in an African-American church in Columbia. Her work was endless, and she seemed happiest when she was involved.

Featured in the 1991 edition of A Journal Accepting Baptist Leaders in South Carolina, Thom holds membership in several organization, including the Missionary Society, the Musical Choir, Mass Choir, Waverly Wide Awake Circle, National Council of Negro Women, National Association of University Women, the Friendly Bunch, Octare Plus Bridge Club, Church Women United, Richland County Retired Teachers Association, Zion Baptist Historical Committee, Martin L. King Neighborhood Association, Richland County Education Association of Retired Teachers. Thomasina was appointed by Mayor Patton Adams to serve on the Memorial Committee for the late Martin L. King, Jr. She was a former secretary for Ward 33. Thomasina was appointed to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Community Development. She also served as a member of the Richland County Appearance Commission. She was the recipient of the Living the Legacy Award given by NCNW for worthwhile contributions.

She was very giving to all, sometimes at the expense of her own wellbeing. She asked for little return. Thom had a great sense of humor, loved life, and having fun. She enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and gardening. Thom had a long rich life; and now it’s time for her to rest and be at peace.

Left to cherish precious and fond memories are her son, Milton Thacker; daughter, Eleanor Briggs; sister, Elnora Robinson; sister-in-law, Josephine Rembert; niece, Nicole Rembert, and nephew, Lamar Rembert; goddaughter, Clarietta Marshall, and godson, Albert Jackson; grand-goddaughter Mia Roberts, and grand-godson, Furman Roberts, III; and a host of loving relatives and friends, all of whom join the family in sharing the grief caused by her departure, but rejoice that she is resting with the Lord.