Celebration of the Life of Dr. Edith Dalton Thomas, March 5, 1925-March 27, 2005, Friday, April 1, 2005, 12:00 Noon, Central United Methodist Church, 501-7 Mitchell Street, Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, Reverend Frederick R. Gray, Senior Pastor, Officiating

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March 5, 1925 ~March 27, 2005

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Friday, April! , 2005 - 12:00 Noon-

Central -United M' ethodist Church 501-7 Mitchell Street, Southwest
Atlanta, Georgia 30314

Reverend Frederick R. Gray, Senior Pastor Officiating

Dr. Edith Dalton Thomas was born the third of five children to the late Anthony J. and Eva J. Dalton in Cincinnati, OH on March 5, 1925. She completed her early education in Cincinnati and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, GA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University, in Business Administration and Secondary Education in 1948. She received her Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling from Atlanta University in 1963. She also received a Master of Religious Education degree (1977) and a Doctor of Ministry degree (1987) from the Interdenominational Theological Center (lTC). She completed additional studies at Boston University and Georgia State University.
On December 24, 1956, Dr. Thomas married Mr. Curtis Thomas and to this union twin daughters, Lynn Anette and lnes Celeste, were born. Dr. Thomas had the gift of hospitality. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends throughout the year. She was an avid lover of the arts, especially music. She found relaxation in gardening, decorating, cooking, sewing, and traveling.
Dr. Thomas was an active member of Central United Methodist Church for 50 years. At Central, she served as a trustee, sang with the Senior Choir, taught Disciple Bible Study, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and served numerous other boards and ministries within the life of the church.
Affectionately known as "Dean Thomas," she had an extensive career in higher education administration for more than fifty years. Her professional life included: Secretary for Student Records at the Atlanta University School of Social Work; Assistant Registrar, Dean of Women and Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Clark College; Director of Admissions/Registrar and Assistant Professor of Christian Education at the Interdenominational Theological Center.
As an educator, Dr. Thomas' primary mission was serving young men and women by her work as their mentor, counselor, teacher, and advocate. She was active in the advancement of social justice, women's issues, and child welfare.
Dr. Thomas' affiliations with local, state and national professional and civic organizations are legendary. They include: the American Association of University Women; the Fledging Foundation; the YWCA; the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta; the Christian Council of Metropolitan Atlanta; the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers; prison ministry with women; Reaching Out to Senior Adults (ROSA); boards and ministries of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church; Church Women United in the USA; and the Wesley Woods Geriatric Hospital Board.
Dr. Thomas received many accolades and awards. In 2004, she was inducted into the Action Ministries Hall of Fame. Other awards include the Underwood Fellow awarded by the Danforth Foundation; the Bronze Woman of the Year awarded by the Iota Phi Lambda Sorority; and the Valiant Woman award from Church Women United.
Dr. Edith Dalton Thomas transitioned from this life on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005. She will be remembered as a woman of grace and honor; but, above all else as a devoted Christian. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Celeste Thomas Daniel. She is survived by her daughter, Lynn Thomas Smothers, M.D., of Bowie, MD; sons-in law, Rodney T. Smothers of Bowie, MD and Michael A. Daniel of the U.S. Virgin Islands; sister, Doris D. Willingham; grandchildren, lmani K. Daniel, Christopher L. Daniel, Laken A. Smothers, Jason T. Smothers, and Jasmine R. Smothers; and as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I am not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all (Ilied with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand That an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
And said my place is ready in heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones, and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was (Ilied with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home, When God looked down and smiled on me from his great golden throne.
He said, HThis is eternity, and all I've promised you. Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last. And since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true, Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last youre free . . So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think were far apart, For every time you think of m I'm right there in your heart.
Author Unknown

Printed by Annae Enterprises 404-523-8015

PRELUDE ........................ "Air For G String" ....................... Mr. Gedney Vining J.S. Bach
*PROCESSIONAL ...................................................Reverend Frederick R. Gray
*HYMN OF PRAISE............."All Hail the Power of Jesus Name"..................... #155 UMH
PRAYER ........................................................................ Pastor Gray
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Old Testament Lesson, Psalm 27............... Minister Deborah Holloway New Testament Lesson, Romans 8:28-39........ Minister Elenora Cushenberry
ANTHEM ....................."The Lord Is My Light"................................ Mass Choir Mr. Robert H. McMichael, III, Director
TRIBUTES: Dr. Edward Wimberly, Executive Vice President for Academic Services/ Academic Dean, Interdenominational Theological Center Mrs. Elizabeth Littlejohn, Vice President for Financial and Administrative Services, Interdenominational Theological Center Mr. Mack Willis, Summerset Assisted Living Community Mrs. Quaye Reed, Member, Central United Methodist Church Reverend Frederick R. Gray, Senior Pastor, Central United Methodist Church Mrs. Beth Montgomery Fax and Mr. George A. Fax, Family
SOLO ...................... "We Shall Behold Him" ...........................Dr. Sharon J. Willis
t- EULOGY ....................J.D.H.A.l ..1.3..~ ...f.t.................... Reverend Dr. Rodney T. Smothers
Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church Hyattsville, Maryland
MUSICAL MEDLEY ......................................................... Mr. Jarvis Wilson "He Knows How Much We Can Bear" "Center of My Joy" "Order My Steps" "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" "He'll Understand and Say Well Done"
*ANTHEM ................"Hallelujah Chorus" from The Messiah........................Mass Choir G. F. Handel
*RECESSIONAL ..............................................................."I'll Fly Away"
* Worshippers are invited to stand, as they are able.

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l Tnited Methodist Women of Central United Methodist Church

Leon Bridges Henry Caldwell Joseph Collins

Reuben Ellis Isaac Houston Michael Willingham

~e4_-WwU-/!Iecl;;ement
The family of Dr. Edith D. Thomas extends sincere appreciation for your many expressions of love and your prayers. Special thanks to Dr. Adrienne Mims, Kaiser Pennanente;
Mr. and Mrs. Mack Willis, the staff and residents of Summerset Assisted Living Community; the staff of Odyssey Hospice; and to the Central United Methodist Church members and staff.

Westview Cemetery 1680 Westview Drive, Southwest
Atlanta, Georgia

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