or

cjames oJRomas, gr.

Thursday, December 31,19982:00 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 BornMr. 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 RebornMr. 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 LoveOn 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 HeavenMr. 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 DieMr. 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.

0f

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

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

Call To Worship ..................................................... Rev. J. Ronzell ManessLeader: 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 allblessings flow; Let us praise God as faithful creatures here below.

All: The author of Psalm 107:8 reminds each of us of what we oughtto be about in the service of worship. He said: "Thank the Lord for His steadfast love, for His wonderful Works to the Sons of men!"

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

*The Apostle©s Creed .................................................... The Congregation

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

Selected Passages of ScriptureII 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

ReflectionsDr. I. E. Washington - Friend from Ambassadors ClubMr. 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

pallbearersMr. Roscoe Brown Mr. William Gilyard, III Mr. Roy Jones Mr. D©Henri Thurmond Mr. Doug McKenzie Mr. Bernard Roberson Mr. Osborne Nesbitt Mr. Jesse Norman

Mr. James E. Carter, III

PallbearersStewards Ambassadors Bridge Club

Faculty and Staff of Sleepy Hollow Elementary School

earersTrinity 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

****************

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

W. JJ. Wa«* Wortuaru y * . *©if / ; . a .•:,

"Professional Services A Family Tradition Since 1922" 1221 James Brown Boulevard ~ Augusta, Georgia

7:- (706)722-6401