Dialinda Sue Thomas

Mrs. Dialinda Sue (Barnes) Thomas affectionately known as “Dooley”, age 78, of Villa Rica, Georgia passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025. She was born in Florala, Alabama on March 23, 1947. Mrs. Thomas was the daughter of the late, Chalmers Barnes and the late, Bertha (Williams) Barnes. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Thomas is preceded in death by three siblings, Harvey Lee Peacock, Sr., Willie J. Crouch, and Marvin Best.

Dialinda lived in the small town of Flowersview, Florida, where she cultivated a strong work ethic that defined much of her life. For many years, she dedicated herself to her role as a sewing machine operator at Quik Manufacturing in Florala, Alabama. Known for her love of classic westerns and soap operas, Dialinda enjoyed watching shows such as Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, Cheyenne, The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. Her faith as a Christian profoundly shaped her outlook on life, and she often found solace in her favorite scripture, John 14:1: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Dialinda was affectionately remembered for her “sassy” attitude, which softened over time, reflecting her journey through life. Family was at the heart of her existence; she made it a special tradition to sing "Happy Birthday" to each family member every year, celebrating the love that bound them together. Throughout her many challenges later in life, Dialinda remained an inspiration to those around her, never voicing complaints but instead responding to expressions of love with her warm reply, “I love you more.”

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Chalmers Thomas of Bahrain; four daughters and two sons-in-law, Shandrina Murphy of Dothan, Alabama, Shonta and Brian Miller of Gainesville, Florida, Cyllis Thomas and Yamaji Collins of Villa Rica, Georgia and Shimiko Thomas of Defuniak Springs, Florida; her brother, Vaughn Lee Barnes of Florala, Alabama; her sister, Jimmie Nell Buckley of Phoenix, Arizona; her grandchildren, Micheal Murphy, Hakim Murphy, Desmond Smiley, Ladiizha Taylor, Michael Taylor, Jakian Taylor, Katheral Collins, Jalinda Collins, and Robert J. Feagins, Jr.; her great-grandchildren, Zoey Smiley, Bryce Smiley, and a number of other relatives.

In accordance with Mrs. Thomas’ arrangements, she will be cremated.

The family plans to hold a celebration of life at a later date.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by signing the online guestbook.

Cremation services are being provided by Hutcheson’s Memorial Chapel of Buchanan.