Perhaps you sent a lovely card or sat quietly in a chair. Perhaps you sent flowers, if so we saw them there; perhaps you spoke the kindest words that any friend could say. Perhaps you were not here at all, just thought of us today. Whatever you did to comfort our hearts, we thank you so much whatever the part.
Dear Family and Friends,
I want to let you know I've moved. I received a call from God, the Chief Architect, who informed me that my new home was ready to move into immediately. There were some min~.!:__6nishing touches in some of the timber that only the Chief Carpenter, Jesus Christ, could fix; some were a little too broad, thick or not long enough. Well, my new home is finished and it's a beautiful sight to behold. :I've lived in many places before my new home was prepared, but none of the others could compare. There is a peace, joy and happness here; with no more pain or fear, no strife or discomfort. There is only sweet serenity everywhere. I can go on and on about my new home, but I have to get fitted for my new wings. Before I go, let Ine give you my new address;
Gail Denue ThonZM 1 Heavenly Circle Godd Town, Heaven
P.S. I don't have a telephone yet, but call God. Ifyou don't have his number, He's listed in the good book "The Bible" on every page.
I MURRAY BROTHERS
FUNERAL HOME
1199 Utoy Springs Road, SW
1
Atlanta, Geogia 30331
darryl allen's quality printing and graphics 404.755.0965
r~ A Celebration of Life ..., '\{(
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Monday, January 30, 2012 11:00 A.M.
ELizabeth Bapti.tt Church 4245 Ca,tca{)e Road
Atlanta, Georgia Reverend Cral:tj OLivet; Pa.Jtor
Gail Denise Thomas was born December 22, 1965 in Atlanta, Georgia to Juliet Mack Thomas and Early Thomas. As a child she was always respectful and well mannered. At the age of seven she was baptized at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in northwest Atlanta. She later joined and was currently a member at the Cathedral of Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus.
Gail was educated in the Atlanta Public School System where she attended Boyd Elementary School and was a proud graduate of the S. H. Archer High School, Class of 1983. She then matriculated at Georgia State University and culminated her studies at the Georgia Military College, graduating Cum Laude with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice in 2004.
Gail had a very cheerful spirit and was known for her beautiful smile. Never judgmental or one to criticize, she was witty; honest, and a fun loving person who also enjoyed music, art, and outdoor activities. She especially liked reciting jokes to her friends.
Gail worked for the Atlanta Police Department as a 911 dispatch operator for nearly five years, after which she
became a recruit at the H.T. Jenkins Atlanta Police Academy. She g-raduated in 1997, and served as a police officer in Zone 5 on the foot, bike, and mobile beat, patrolling downtown Atlanta merchants. A tr~ly dedicated public
servant, she enjoyed serving in a myriad of capacities to include: the honor guard, Red
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Dog Unit, and staff inspections before being appointed as a Senior Patrol Officer, where
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she served as a field training officer (FTO) to new recru~ts. She was also able to combine
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. her love ofyoung people, and her enthusiasm for sports by providing security at Turner Field, and as a school resource officer with the Atlanta Public School System.
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Gail performed her job well and received many accolades including graduating amongst
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the top students from the police academy. She received numerous accommodations for
her dedicated and committed service to the citizens in the City of Atlanta. She was
recently recognized by Chief Turner for her community service as a Senior Patrol
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Officer.
Gail was blessed with one daughter, Jasmine Jay Sherman, who was the apple of her
eye. She was a devoted mother, dedicated to Jasmine's education, and was very proud that Jasmine is mati.;culating
at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Gail and Jasmine were like two peas in a pod, and being
a good mother was Gail's number one priority. She taught Jasmine lifelong lessons on faith in God, dedication to
family, and the cherished values of compassion. Her spirit is illuminated through Jasmine as she also has a spirit
of generosity and of service to the less fortunate. Jasmine also shares Gail's artistic abilities and has won awards
for her sketches. Gail departed this life on January 24, 2012. She was preceded in death by her mother Juliet
"Judy" Mack Thomas. Gail leaves to cherish her smile and memory, loving daughter, Jasmine; father, Mr. Early
Thomas; brothers, Mr. Earl Bernard (Jennifer) Thomas and Mr. Demetrius Thomas;
grandmother, Mrs. Dimple Thomas; aunts, Mr. and l\1rs. Opal (Roy) Evans and Barbara
McCaray; uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas (Shirley) Ross; Mr.
Crawford Mack, Mr. and Mrs. Eustis (Delois) Blakley and Mr.
and Mrs. Rasheed (Patricia) Blakley; best friend and godmother
to Jasmine, Kimberly Osburn; Darrell and Trinia Favors;
several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and
co-workers.
Gail's strength and enthusiasm for life will continue to live through us all. She will be greatly missed here on Earth, but we will surely reunite with her again in G1ory.
Prelude
Reverend D~: Kenneth MarctM, Officiating
Processional
Selection
Prayer
Reverend Dr. Arthur Carson, Jr. Pastor, Springfield Missionary Baptist Church
Scriptures
Old Testament: Reverend Lynne Burkhead New Testament: Reverend Cassandra Young Marcus
Solo
Reflections Stephanie Thomas, Cousin Michael Brown, Archer Class of 1983
City of Atlanta Reflections/Tributes Sgt. Janice Sturdivant, Atlanta Police Department Major Christopher Leighty; Tribute, Zone 5 Precient Commander Michael Julian Bond, Atlanta City Council Ceasar Mitchell, President Atlanta City Council George Turner, Chief of Police Atlanta Police Department The Honorable Mayor Kasim Reed Recruit Class #160, Atlanta Police Department Honor Guard Tribute
Solo
Phillip 1-Iaynes
Eulogy
Reverend Dr. Kenneth Marcus Senior Pastor, Turner Chapel AME Church
Acknowledgements
Murray Brothers Staff
Recessional
Postlude
{P~
Mount Harmony Cemetery 581 Veterans Memorial Highway
Mableton, Georgia