The family of Brenda Kay "Kay" Thomas of Bentonville, AR announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
These pages are a small offering toward a much larger life.
A parent leaves not only memory, but the people they helped become.
Brenda Kay Thomas ("Kay"), 79, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026. Born on July 28, 1947, in Texarkana to William and Helen Caller, Kay grew up surrounded by family, laughter, and many summers along the Caddo River. She attended Arkansas High School where she was a cheerleader. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bill "Bubba" Thomas. The two began dating their junior year and just two years after graduating were married on June 3, 1967, beginning a partnership that would span nearly six decades. Kay built her life around caring for others. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a constant presence in her children's lives. Whether that meant helping with school activities, hosting class parties, or simply making sure home was always a place of comfort and joy. While living in Little Rock's Otter Creek community, Kay discovered a love for tennis and could often be found at the racquet club, playing both for fun and in competition. She also developed a passion for gardening and landscaping, creating beautiful outdoor spaces that earned her numerous Yard of the Month honors that were a source of pride for her. Later, Kay and Bill moved to Northwest Arkansas where they built a business and a legacy. Together, they opened a Mail Boxes Etc. franchise, first in Bella Vista and later in Bentonville at the Raintree Business Center. Through hard work and dedication, their store grew into one of the top-performing locations in a global network of more than 4,000 stores and was recognized multiple times by FedEx as the top retail shipping center in the US. Eventually, they made the bold move to go independent, rebranding as Bentonville Copy and Ship. Their businesses were a valued part of the Bentonville community for 33 years. At home, Kay created the kind of place people never wanted to leave. Summers were spent gathered around the backyard pool, filled with laughter, friends, and family. Her grandchildren will always remember their Nana as someone who made every visit special, whether it was the well-stocked toy closet, their favorite snacks waiting in the fridge, or brand-new pool toys ready each summer. Though Northwest Arkansas was home, Kay held a special place in her heart for Swept Away Resort in Negril, Jamaica. She and Bill returned as often as they could, forming lasting friendships with the staff who adored her just as much as she adored them. Kay was always ready for a trip, and always packed as if she might need everything she owned even if most days were spent happily in a swimsuit. Kay had a natural warmth and sense of humor that drew people to her instantly. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She was known for her love of Snickers bars, cheesecake, and Diet Dr Pepper: simple joys that became part of the memories her family will always cherish. In retirement, Kay and Bill found happiness in the simple rhythm of everyday life. They spent days exploring the roads and backroads of Northwest Arkansas and making regular stops at Beef O'Brady's in Centerton where the staff became like family. That bond was evident in the kindness and support they showed all the way through her final days, a reflection of the many lives Kay touched. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bill "Bubba" Thomas; her children, Todd Thomas (Andrea) of Plano, Texas, Holly Henbest (Charles) of Rogers, Arkansas, and Tiffany Sage of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, her brother Gary Caller (Danna) of Tennessee; nephews Bill (Lynn) Caller; Chad (Leslie) Thomas and Kyle (Autumn) Thomas; and sister-in-law Tibby Hopkins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 5, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Beef O'Brady's in Centerton. Kay's life was one of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.
Epting Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Brenda "Kay" Thomas.
