It's Rejoicing Time! Mama has Earned Her Wings, June 24, 1919-September 24, 2011, Mother Lillie W. Thomas, Saturday, October 1, 2011, 1:00 PM, Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 315 5th Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030, Reverend Robert Welch, Pastor

Ttme!
Mother Lillie W. Thomas
Saturday, October 1, 2011 1:00PM
Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 315 5th Avenue. Decatur, GA 30030
REVEREND ROBERT WELCH, PASTOR

Our Mom, Mrs. Lillie W. Thomas, began her life's journey on June 24, 1919 in Wrens, Georgia. She was born to two loving parents, both now serving in God's Heavenly Army. Mama reported to duty with the angels on September 24, 2011. She attended Washington High School. She married our father, Rev. Foster Thomas. Out of this union of love was born four children: three girls and one boy. She was a long-term member o Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 60 years. She was a faithful member of the Abe leach Deborah Sunday school class and Ladies' Bible Class. She pursued a Nursing career at one point on her journey. Stle later offered her services as a private duty domestic.
Nine grandchildren: Kristy, Kirsey (T.J.) and Zechariah Williams; Napoleon, Nathaniel, Roxie Andrea, manuel, John and Gabrielle Griffin. Six great-grandchildren: Jada, Kahla, Dominick, Nateah, Natara and Nathaniel Jr. Sister: Ms. Mozelle Kelly in Maryland. Sister-in-Law: Ruth Butler in Atlanta, Georgia. A host of Nieces, Nephews, other Relatives, and Friends.


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REVEREND ROBERT WELCH, PRESIDING

Prelude

Processional 1 Viewing

Selection

Choir

Prayer

Rev. Poleon Griffin Oak Grove Baptist Church, Jackson, GA

Scripture Old Testament - 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Rev. Elisha V. Lester Clarkston First Baptist Church, Clarkston, GA

New Testament-2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Rev. James Bowens Jr. Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Solo

Evangelist Mary Bibb

Remarks

Deacon & Deaconess Rep of Little Friendship MBC Friend
Friend
Grandson Lillie's Story Clarkston First B. C. Mother Board Min. Conference

Deacon Charles & Ellen Turner Deacon Charlie & Linda Miller
Cordelia Perkins
John Griffin Verlene Brown Mother Mary Lester

Solo

Sharika Allen

Obituary (Read silently)

Solo Eulogy

Annette Wright
Rev. Ronald Mclaughlin Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Chu h

Goin' Up Yonder
INTERMENT Lincoln Cemetery 2275 Joseph East Boone Blvd Atlanta, GA 30314
-Dinner served at the church following the interment-

After being disabled by diabetes, our Mom always believed she would walk again. Mom, you were right, and as you wished; you now have your golden slippers to walk around on heaven's golden streets. You never allowed your physical challenges to diminish your spirit of, "Yes I Can." You
never adopted a victim's mentality. Instead, you remained
an example of strength, courage, faith, and love. You never dwelled on what was not possible. You believed "All things were possible through Christ Jesus who strengthened you." We can still hear you saying; "The Lord will
make a way somehow. God can do anything, but fail. You
must believe and not doubt him."
When it came to being a Mother, our Mom was in a class of her own. She made countless sacrifices. Always smiling. Your wisdom has guided us throughout the years. When once asked for marital advice, she replied "you can always catch another man and another bus." Her wonderful sense of humor always managed to lift our spirits. Every prospective mate had to meet her stamp of approval. Of my sister's husband; she said, "he's a good ole broom." At one point, when refusing to have her leg amputated (after having an ultimatum placed before
her of either have surgery or go home) she responded, "There's no place like home." She
had a feisty, yet loving spirit. She often wore her favorite accessory, a beautiful hat to accompany her eloquent style of dressing. Her steps were that of royalty. Her strong faith in God gave her the confidence to live courageously. She believed that Sunday School was
a non-negotiable must. She grounded us in faith and the knowledge of God. She gave us
what money could never supply.
Family was very important to her. She was completely committed and dedicated to the well being of us all. Her presence made us feel safe. Now, in her absence we are protected by the love of Jesus. The 23rd Psalms was one of her favorite scriptures. Recently discovered was her favorite song, ~~Everybody Ought to Pray Sometime." Now she will be singing her favorite songs with the Heavenly voices of the Angels. Someday, Mom, we will see you again. Oh, what a rejoicing that will be!

I know it's hard to say good-bye Perhaps you fee/lonely and left alone
It's okay to laugh and to cry Because I ain't dead-I've just gone home.
My earthly house had gotten weary There was pain, I would moan and groan
Don't grieve andfeel sad or teary Remember, I ain't dead-I've just gone home.
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad Think ofhow strong you have grown
Hold your head up, don't be sad God is good, I ain't dead-I've just gone home.
My Father came often to see me We talked and talked for so long He smiled and said, yes I see" It's time now my child, come home.
So, I reached up to His outstretched hand Right away I was healed and made strong
I am now living in sweet Beulah Land No, I ain't dead-I've just gone to my Heavenly Home!
-By Minister Shirley Gardner Sisters in Prayer
Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Your Light Shall Still Shine
By Angela S. Florence
-God said let your light shine - So that others may see Let your light shine, and I will draw all men unto me
Your light, Mother, shall shine For it will glow through each of us We will try to live a life that is pleasing to Christ We will try to honor him as you did
Yes, in God we will trust
You gave of yourself not only to your children But also unto others as they came
You taught us about the fruits of the Spirit, And the importance of Jesus' name
You were like an oak tree Whose branches weathered many storms You stood your ground and kept the faith
And with Joy you pressed on
You opened up your heart, home, and your arms And allowed others to come in
You displayed one of God's golden rules Love covers a multitude of sin
You were an inspiration to us As we left the Mother's nest You encouraged us to cast our cares upon the Lord "He will see you through," you said
God knows what is best
Mother, we shall remember you Always in our hearts as each day passes by
You were a very special light to us That God sent from Heaven's sky
Your light will shine on; it will glow in our hearts We thank God for you dear Mother, for you have truly done your part
We Will Love You Always- Your Children

llrilrgA 7/rat" Malle VA ~ Wlren We 7/rilrlt oF

My Granny was a woman of great

GRANNY WOULD ALWAYS

Whenever I

faith. She was God-fearing, loving, TELL ME IF THERE'S ANY- called Granny,

caring and free spirited. She always kept me smiling and laughing with
her stories about family and life.

THING I'M GOING THROUGH, TAKE IT TO THE LORD IN PRAYER. HE CAN SOLVE ALL
MY PROBLEMS.

she always recognized my voice and say,
"Is that

Granny loved to sing, and boy could she eat! She would say,

T.J.

John John, the one I love."

"When you eat all your food up, you

will have sexy legs like me." It made When Granny says, "GG, how

John

me smile every time I went to visit her to take her lunch. She was so excited to see me as if she hadn't
seen me in years.

does mY hair 1oo1<," I asr<ed her

how she's doing and she would Remembering when

smile and say, "fine.

she told me not to

drink whisky and

Writing this note while thinking of Granny makes me smile. She was
always in a good spirit, and it showed and rubbed off on you too.
I know Granny is in a better place

Gabrielle
Granny always believed she was going to be able to walk again.

thinking about the little thin black belt she used to whip me with makes me smile.

with the good Lord above. I love you Granny and you will be missed.

Roxie

Nathaniel

Kristy
I remember Granny saying, "Lil Pole, you are big!
Go to church and don't drink. Look at your dad, he doesn't drink."

Granny always talked about me when I was little and she loved me and the whole family love
them some me.

Granny would make me smile when she say, "You're good looking; let me see
you dance.

Napoleon

Zechariah

Emmanuel

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road , when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your forefathers , as many as the days that heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18- 21

yTies

The Family ofMrs. Lillie W Thomas acknowledges with humble hearts our appreciation for every expression ofsympathy extended to ourfamily.

We shall be forever grateful for the unceasing prayers, visits, calls, hugs, and acts oflove shown during the homegoing ofour mother. We could never repay you for all you have done.

Special Thanks to Pastor Robert Welch and the Little Friendship Missionary Baptist Church

Special Thanks to Pastor Poleon Griffin and the
Oak Grove Baptist Church

Special Thanks to all my Sisters
(Minister's Wives & Minister's Widows)
for their love and concern. -Circle ofLove Ministry

Special Thanks to Pastor Karl D. Moore and the Clarkston First Baptist Church and Mother Board Ministry Conference

Special Thanks to Fairington Elementary School
Hair A La Parisienne Reliable Rehabilitation Center

Clarkston First Baptist Church Mother Board Ministry Conference

Napoleon Griffin Emmanuel Griffin Nathaniel Griffin Zechariah Williams
John Griffin Kirsey Williams

ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO:

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home

4347 Flat Shoals Parkway

Decatur, GA 30034

Design by Doncile Samuel

"Especially Yours "