A Celebration of Life for Deacon Albert Thomas, 79 of Decatur will be 11:00 am. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Progressive Outreach Ministries with Pastor Arthur L. Warrior officiating and inhumation to follow in Decatur City Cemetery. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral with Reynolds Funeral Home directing.
Deacon Thomas was born on June 25, 1935, to the late Joe Thomas and Anna Liza Brooks-Thomas in Centreville, Mississippi. Deacon Albert Thomas accepted Christ at an early age and joined Emory Hill Church of God in Christ; under the leadership of the late Elder James Cason.
On May 15, 1954, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the beautiful Rosie Lee Jackson. Shortly afterwards, he and his bride left the countryside of Mississippi and traveled to the big city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This union was blessed with 6 lovely children: Wanda (deceased), Albert C., Rufus, Calvin, Joe, and Rosie. As he settled in New Orleans, he worshipped at St. Philip Church of God In Christ, and later moved his membership to the First Church of God in Christ United under the leadership of Bishop James Feltus, Jr. He served on the usher board and was a member of the brother hood.
Deacon Thomas was a faithful and dedicated member of the church until August 29, 2005, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall and devastated the city of New Orleans and his home. After this devastation he and his family relocated to Decatur, AL.
In Decatur, he joined Progressive Christian Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Arthur L. Warrior. He served faithfully on the Deacon Board and Financial Committee. On Tuesday, January 20, 2015, a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend and Christian worker quietly departed this mortal life at Decatur Morgan Hospital to rest with Jesus Christ forever more.
Deacon Thomas retired from the International Longshoreman and was an active member of The Free and Accepted Masons. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, storytelling and playing his guitar.
Deacon Thomas was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Wanda J. Thomas-Montgomery and his devoted wife, Rosie Jackson-Thomas of 51 years.
Those left to cherish his memory are: four sons, Albert Cardell Thomas of Houston, Texas; Rufus Thomas of New Orleans; Calvin Thomas, Sr of Dallas, Texas; Joe (Rosiland) Thomas of Grand Prairie, Texas; and one daughter, Rosie (James Darren) Williams of Decatur, Alabama and Son- In- Law James D Montgomery of Decatur, Alabama. Nine grandchildren: Cordelia and Janilyn Pollard, Calvin Thomas, Jr, Quintin Montgomery, Rufus Thomas, Jr, Ashleigh Thomas, Alexandra Williams, Victoria Montgomery, and Alyssa Thomas. Three great grandchildren: Two sisters: Ceola (Charlie) Samuels of Woodville, Mississippi and Shirley Johnson of Kenner, Louisiana and a very special friend, Mrs. Eula Davis of Hillsboro, Alabama confidant and friend, Brother Ike as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted friends.
