The Life of a Good Mother Ms. Lucille Garner Thomas, 88
A private viewing will be held Friday, May 24, 2019, 12:30 PM for immediate family only at the funeral parlor, followed by a public viewing from 1 to 6 PM.
Lucille will repose in the church one hour prior to the funeral
Funeral: Saturday, May 25, 2019
Time: 1:00 O'clock In The Afternoon
Place: Coolspring Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 46, Gaston, NC
Bishop Wayne I. Welch and Rev. Wayne I. Welch, Jr. will be the Eulogists.
Burial: Garner Family Cemetery, Gaston, NC.
I finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me on that day and not to me only; but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Lucille Garner Thomas was born on October 12, 1930. She was the fourth of nine children born to the parentage of Roger and Mary Webb Garner. Her siblings, Joseph, Lawrence Lillie, Earlean Velvie Lee, Charlie Rogers and Levonia all proceeded her in death.
At an early age Lucille joined the Cool Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Gaston, NC and remained a member until she moved from the area. While living in Bronx, New York she was a member of the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. Upon returning to the area, she immediately resumed her membership at Cool Spring Baptist Missionary Church.
She received her formal educated in the Northampton County NC and Greensville County, Virginia school systems. As a child, Lucille worked on the family farm beside her sisters until she met and married the late Ralph Edward Thomas, Sr. on December 12, 1948. They were married for 53 years before his death. Lucille was blessed with two children a daughter, Fannie Elma Garner and a son, Ralph Edward Thomas, Jr. She and her family moved to Norfolk, VA. While living in Norfolk she was employed at DePaul Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner.
After living in Norfolk for over a decade the family moved to Bronx, NY. During the early years in New York, she took on several jobs before enrolling in a Licensed Practical Nurses course. She was progressing well and on track to graduate with her class. Just prior to graduation, it was discovered she didn't meet the prior education requirement; therefore, she was unable to graduate with her class and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Their denial did not stop her desire to stay in the medical environment and instead she became a Nurses Aid. She loved working in the hospital; but after her employment ended as a nurse, she cared for neighborhood children and volunteered for over 30 years as a teacher's assistant at Langston Hughes Community Elementary School 236. This was by far her most rewarding experience as well as providing safe transportation to and from school to several students.
Lucille's love for children led her to become a foster parent. She provided a home to a number of foster children; eventually legally adopting three of the many children she kept; Evelina, Asia and Monique Thomas.
"Aunt Cille" as she was affectionally known by the many children she cared for loved talking on the phone with her family and friends, baking and traveling. She never met a stranger and welcomed all into her home. When she had idle time, she worked on crossword puzzles and would listen to the METs on the radio while she read the newspaper with a cup of ice water. Lucille stressed education to all and often told those around her to ensure they went to school because "the pen is mightier than the sword". Lucille loved her family and whenever her nieces and nephews would visit, when it was time to leave, she would often tell them "don't take any wooden nickels".
On Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Greensville Manor Nursing Home, Lucille accepted the will of God, took His hand and was led to her heavenly home.
Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Thomas, Sr., daughter, Fannie Byrd, grandson Antonio "Tony" Byrd Sr., and great-grandchildren Lucy and Gina.
Lucille leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Ralph Thomas, Jr. and wife Carlethia of Lees Summit, MO, three daughters, Everlina Whytner Thomas of Bronx, NY; and Monique and Asia Thomas of Staten Island, NY.
Eight grandchildren, Cathy Byrd Samuels, Keturah Wilson; Ralph Edward "Trip" Thomas, III and wife Melissa; Michelle Gunn, Minajahrae Martin, Malik Thomas, Lateek Rodriquez, Joel Bacchus
Ten great-grandchildren, Joseph Hutchinson, Antonio Byrd Jr., Antonio Suggs, James Suggs, Miara Gunn, Logan and Leia Thomas, Destiny and Deserae Doyle, and Ashanti Wilson.
Five great-grandchildren De'Miah; Ze'Miah, Kian, Cassidy and Khailan Byrd.
Her Sister and care-giver: Eula G. Highe and husband Eugene of Emporia, VA, and one Sister-In-Law: Earlean Garner Butler of Norfolk VA. A host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
It is hard to let you go, but we know that you are at peace with your beloved family and friends that have gone on before you.
Mother Lucille rests in the comfort of Coleman Funeral Home & Staff...Service That Is Distinctive But Not Expensive...Because WE Care...
