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oJRomas, gr.

Thursday, December 31,1998 2:00 P.M.
(BHbert
Augusta, Georgia ******
Reverend /. Ronzcll Maness ~ Officiating

1903 - 1998
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: "
ECCLESIASTES 3:1
A Time To Be Born Mr. James Alton Thomas was born to the late Mr. & Mrs. Albert James (Mary) Thomas on December 8, 1903 in Cusetta (Chattahoochee County), Georgia.
A Time To Be Reborn Mr. Thomas grew up in the church and was an active member all of his life. He and his family were members of Holsey Chapel C.M.E. Church in Columbus, Georgia. After relocating to Augusta, Georgia in 1943, he and his family united with Trinity C.M.E. Church on Eighth and Taylor Streets where he sang tenor in the Senior Choir and served as a Steward. After retiring from the choir, he took his seat of honor on the end of the left front pew where he fellowshipped with other members and received many kisses from the ladies.
A Time To Love On September 15, 1931, he married the love of his life, Miss Patience "Pat" Johnson, To this union two boys were born: James Alton Thomas, Jr. (deceased) and Bert T. Thomas. He was a father who was loving, caring, firm, a positive role model, and a gentleman. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was evidenced by his actions. He even became a baby sitter for one of his great-grands, "Puddy Pie".
VHe had many endearing names: "Thomas, Daddy, Buddy Jim, Daddee, Jim", and "Uncle Thomas."
He loved God and his church and wanted all of us to "get along and do what is right."
A Time For Every Purpose Under The Heaven Mr. Thomas attended Fifth Avenue Elementary School in Columbus, Georgia, and Georgia Normal High School (Albany State) where he played trumpet in the band and played football. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Albany State College and the Master of Education Degree from South Carolina State College.
During Mr. Thomas career, he was a manager of Afro American Life Insurance Company, a school teacher and principal. He retired as principal of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School in Beech Island (Aiken County), South Carolina.
Mr. Thomas was a homebody, but enjoyed playing bridge with the Ambassadors Bridge Club, until his illness. He also enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team - The Atlanta Braves.
Last year he was featured as one of "The Local African American Heroes" at Greendale Elementary School in New Ellenton, South Carolina, where one of his former students, Dr. Teresa Larke Pope, is the principal. He was asked to write about his dream for the children. And he wrote, "I have a dream that all boys and girls will learn to love and respect themselves, God and others; To learn to read, write, and articulate well; To use their talents to enhance their lives and others by attaining the highest achievement possible and to learn to live in peace with themselves and help to make this world a better place for us all."
A Time To Die Mr. Thomas entered into his peaceful rest on Monday, December 28, 1998, at Columbia-Augusta Medical Center. V
He leaves to celebrate his life a loving -wife of 67 years, Patience J. Thomas; a devoted son, Bert T. Thomas; a devoted daughter-in-law, Audrey M. Thomas; granddaughters, Adrienne Thomas (Stan) Frazier, Martinez, GA and Kimala Thomas (Fred) Johnson, Taylors, SC; great-granddaughters, Elizabeth Faith Johnson, Taylors, SC; Ariana Yvonne Frazier and Sydney Elise Frazier, Martinez, GA; great-grandson, Wesley Daniel Johnson, Taylors, SC; a brother, Albert James (Daisy) Thomas, Columbus, GA; special nieces, Thelma Cobb (John) Camp, Columbus, GA; and Mildred Hill-Lubin, Gainesville, FL; special caregivers, Mrs. Geneva Lassiter and Ms. Iris Y. Jones; other nieces, nephews, and devoted family friends.

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Prelude ................................................................ Dr. Ann D. Poole

Processional .......................................................... "For All The Saints "

Call To Worship ..................................................... Rev. J. Ronzell Maness

Leader:

My friends in Christ, this afternoon is special

It is special because we have gathered to Celebrate the life,

death, and legacy of Mr. James Alton Thomas.

Response:

With that understanding, let us praise God from whom all blessings flow; Let us praise God as faithful creatures here below.

All:

The author of Psalm 107:8 reminds each of us of what we ought

to be about in the service of worship. He said: "Thank the Lordfor

His steadfast love, for His wonderful Works to the Sons ofmen!"

*Hymn of Praise .......................................... The Sanctuary Choir & Congregation Hymn #23 -"To God Be The Glory"

*The Apostles Creed .................................................... The Congregation

Prayer of Victory ....................................................... Rev. Gene R. Dean Presiding Elder, The Augusta District

Selected Passages of Scripture II Timothy 4:6-8 ................................................ Rev. Lacy J. Cochrane Ministerial Staff, Trinity CM E. Church
Ecclesiastes Revelation 21:2-7 .................................................... Rev. Jerry Poole
Pastor, Mulberry C.M.E. Church Paine College Campus Pastor

Selection ............................................................ The Sanctuary Choir "Precious Memories " (His kitchen table song)

Acknowledgements .................................................... Ms. M. Nanette Barnes

Reflections

Dr. I. E. Washington - Friend from Ambassadors Club Mr. Charles F. Smith - Chairman, Board of Stewards
Dr. Teresa Larke Pope - Former Student

*Selection ...................... I...................... The Sanctuary Choir and Congregation "Blessed Assurance "

Words of Comfort .................................................... Rev. J. Ronzell Maness

Recessional ............................................................... Dr. Ann Poole "Going Up Yonder"

Interment ......................................................... Walker Memorial Park y

* Audience Please Stand

cJfic^ParticipantsJor cJ^e Cerebration

Mr. Roscoe Brown Mr. Roy Jones Mr. Doug McKenzie Mr. Osborne Nesbitt

pallbearers
Mr. James E. Carter, III

Mr. William Gilyard, III Mr. DHenri Thurmond
Mr. Bernard Roberson Mr. Jesse Norman

Stewards

Pallbearers
Ambassadors Bridge Club Faculty and Staff of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School

earers
Trinity C.M.E. Church Ushers and Stewardesses

II Timothy 4:6-8
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 71 have fought a good fight, 1 have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which tfo Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all tJwm also that love his appearing.

With grateful hearts we offer our sincere appreciation to each and everyone. The fervent prayers, calls, visits, flowers, cards, memorial contributions and all of the expressions of love that were shared during the illness and passing of our loved one will long be remembered. As we face the days ahead, we ask for your continued prayers of assurance. Thank you for
caring and sharing. ... THE THOMAS FAMILY

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We appreciate your trust in us, and sincerely hope that our service has been deserving of your confidence. If we helped to lighten your burden, our aim has been accomplished.

Services Entrusted To



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W. JJ. Wa* Wortuaru y

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"Professional Services A Family Tradition Since 1922"

1221 James Brown Boulevard ~ Augusta, Georgia

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(706)722-6401

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