Thomasena Pack Baytops more than a century has passed since Thomasena Pack was born on July 16, 1918 to Samuel and Bines Pack in Sumter, South Carolina.  An only child, she was educated in the Sumter Public School system.  After completing her studies at Lincoln High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Morris College on May 28, 1941, where she graduated Cum Laude.

Thomasena taught for many years in the school systems of Sumter and nearby Clarendon Counties.  She later moved to Newark, NJ where she was employed as a Shipping Clerk for Automate Shipping Company.  She met James Irving Baytops and they were married on Christmas day in 1971.  After retiring, the couple moved to Sharptown, NJ.

A Christian all her life, Thomasena became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church.  She liked to keep busy: she was a Deaconess, President of the Missionary Ministry, attended bible school and enjoyed working as an aide to the Pastor.  She was also a past Worthy Matron of Estrellita #54 (Eastern Star).  In her free time, Thomasena enjoyed reading and working puzzles.  Thomasena was the oldest member of Morning Star Baptist.

Although she never had children of her own, Thomasena embraced her stepchildren and their offspring as well as her own extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.  She had many friends, neighbors and church members who looked in on her, called her on the phone, brought her home cooked meals or just stopped by to talk.  They also looked to her for mentoring and guidance.  Thomasena had over one hundred years of sage advice to share.  She lived by the motto that she always believed, It comes down to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would like them to do you (Luke 6:31)."  In other words, treat all like you want to be treated.

Thomasena was predeceased by her husband James Irving; she leaves to cherish her memory three very close friends, Katherine Polk, Madeline Jones, Beatrice Coleman and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.