Deacon Thomas

A Life Celebrated:

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my department is at hand.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

II Timothy 4:6-7

Deacon Willie Thomas was born to James Henry and Cora Ruby (Christmas) Thomas on March 16, 1938, in Bastrop County. Willie attended the public schools of the county and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1956. In searching for a higher education, he spent one year at Prairie View College before joining the United States Army in 1961.
Growing up in a strong Christian foundation, Willie was baptized at an early age and learned what it meant to fear the Lord. He worshiped with his Mother and siblings faithfully at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church. He enjoyed reading the Bible and studied it well.
His Military career extended to one tour. Because of encouragement from his father, Willie came home to help the family. As an employee at the Brick Yard, Willie was a quick learner and dedicated worker. As time changed through integration, he was elevated to supervisor. Willie retired from the brickyard after thirty plus years.
Mr. Thomas was united in holy matrimony to Tina Marie Jackson on June 22, 1968. He brought his bride to Mount Moriah, and there, they worshiped together. He was a life member of Mount Moriah, serving faithfully until his health failed but he remained prayerful until his death. Brother Thomas was a strong member, and displayed many talents and served in many capacities. Brother Thomas was an Ordained Deacon, serving for thirty-nine years. He served many pastors namely the Reverends C.F. M. Jones and L. R. White. Deacon Thomas was a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher and the Superintendent of Sunday School until his health began to decline. He was named Superintendent Emeritus on October 15, 2016. He was a very faithful member who loved his Pastor and Church Family. He served on the Deacon Board and Brotherhood, sang in the choir as well as served in the position of Financial Secretary. Deacon Thomas supported the Elgin Sub-District Brotherhood, the choir serving as Parliamentarian, the Finance Committee, and an Intercessory Prayer Warrior; he was an active supporter for the Saint John Association. Deacon Thomas was a praying deacon, always holding a hymn or two. His favorite songs were Get Right Church ; The Gospel Train and Worthy Is He , to name a few. There were many songs of yesteryear including the old hymns that only he knew and sang with much enthusiasm. It must be noted that Deacon Willie Thomas was a lifetime member of Elgin Branch Number 6174 of the NAACP and supported their efforts to make Elgin a better community in which to live. He supported other community activities especially those of the Juneteenth Organization and the Elgin Relay for Life. Deacon Thomas was a God-fearing man, that led an active and fulfilling life for the legacy he established is endless.
This occasion has caused many hearts to bleed and many eyes to water because of having to bid “adieu” to a faithful Christian Solider. He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-five years, at the time of her passing, his parents and six siblings. Deacon Thomas answered the call from labor to reward on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 2:42 pm.
After seeing his family grow to five generations. his legacy will be long remembered and cherished by his sons: Lanus ‘Doodie’ Jackson, and Alvin ‘Pop’ Jackson, grandchildren: Chrisha Jackson, Natasha Jackson, Brandon Jackson, and Brian Jackson; eleven great grandchildren, one brother, Reverend Isaiah Thomas and wife, Jackie, of Victoria; five sisters, Katherine Vincent of Elgin, Mary Jo and her husband, Reverend J. Brice, Lorine Davis of Austin; Erma Jean Chambers and Ernestine Owens of Elgin; sister – in – laws, Marie Thomas and Bethel Fitzgerald; a host of nieces and nephews covering five generations with five generations of cousins and a multitude of other relatives and friends, including the Mount Moriah Church family.