The Obituaryohnnie Mae Thomas was born June 15, 1936 to the union of John and Emma (Chisholm) Simpson in Union, South Carolina,

one of six children. Aft er losing both her parents at a very young age, Johnnie Mae moved to Detroit and was raised by her Aunt, Marie Steel. She received her education through the Detroit Public School System.

Johnnie Mae married Luther Th omas in holy matrimony in April of 1956. To this union, three children were born, Arcilia, Rinette and Jereal.

Johnnie Mae declared her faith in Christ at an early age. She joined True Love Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Herbert B. Robinson, Sr. She was a faithful member for over 50 years, serving the Missionary Society, Senior Usher Board and the Senior Choir.

An old adage says, “I never met a stranger.” Johnnie Mae could strike up a conversation with most anyone. She was very popular among those in and around Larchmont Street and the surrounding neighborhood. Johnnie Mae never had a driver’s license and wasn’t interested in driving nor fl ying. However, she traveled the city of Detroit and all over the country. She especially enjoyed traveling Greyhound to visit her siblings in Philadelphia and home to Union.

Johnnie Mae held many titles, including housekeeper, caretaker and gardener, but her best titles were that of Wife, Mom and especially Grandma! If something needed to be said, Johnnie Mae said it in love. She truly loved all of her grandchildren from the youngest to the oldest. Many times her children and grandchildren felt slighted when she would see them and without fail immediately ask about their spouse. It was always humorous, when she would get ready to call your name and would call every name but yours. She would then proclaim, “Whoever you is!” Johnnie Mae’s grandson, Michael was her primary caregiver along with her daughter, Rinette (aka Laretta). Michael was literally at her beck and call and he lovingly answered each and every time.

Johnnie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emma Simpson; husband, Luther Th omas; her eldest son, Arcilia Th omas and siblings, Emma Lee Simpson, Maybelle Simpson, Hemphill Simpson and Willie Frank Simpson.

May 19, 2020, Johnnie Mae answered God’s call and peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus surrounded by her loving family. She leaves to celebrate her life and love, a devoted daughter: Rinette; a loving son: Jereal (Renée); grandchildren: Shawnté R. Cox (Garnett), Rebekah N. Morgan of Toledo, Ohio, Michael K. Robinson, Jr., Ashleigh R. Morgan of Toledo, Ohio, Jereal A. Th omas, Janelle A. Th omas; great-grandchildren: Shalonté, Jaela, Major, King, Jack, Armani and Kyree; one sister: Rebecca (Leroy) Land of Union, a sister-in-law: Mildred Belton (John L.);

Her godchildren: Dorothea, aka Dee Baker (Richard), Hobart Crump, Jr. (Felicia) and Barbara Sears (Ricky); “grandchildren:” La-Raie McGarr, ShaQuita Crump, Phillepa Lewis, ReConna (Edward) Price, Jessyka Ridgle, Roy Ridgle, Jr. and Donna Williams; “great-grandchildren:” Dorian, Domonique, Dondria, Niyah, Ra’Sean, Kaycee, Anastasia, Robert and Raiy’lon; and a host of other “grand and great-grandchildren,” nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the Larchmont and True Love Missionary Baptist Church families.

J

There’s no love like a mother’s, her heart is fi lled with care.With Christ as her example, her Savior’s love she’ll share.

A mother’s love is endless, not changing for all time.When needed by her children, a mother’s love will shine.

God bless these special mothers, God bless them every one. For all their tears and heartaches, and special work they’ve done.

When days on earth are over, a mother’s love lives on,Through many generations, God’s blessings on each one.

We’re thankful for my mother, who loved with a higher love,From power God had given, and strength from up above.

A Mother’s Love A Grandmother’s Love

She loves who you are, she loves all of you.She loves all the talks, Her opinions will always stay true.

She will unravel her arms, and will embrace you with a hug.Loving you solely, giving you all of her love.

Grandma’s Wings

Grandma, I wonder where you keep your wings.Are they hung in your closet with the rest of your things?

Do you put them away and just use them at night?Or give them to someone to polish up bright?I know you have wings, for this must be true.

‘Cause God always gives them to angels just like you!