Arlene Thomas

Phenomenal, Resilient, Beautiful, Gracious, are just a few of the words to best describe Arlene Thomas. Not only was she the matriarch of her family of five girls, but she was mentor, mother and grandmother to many others. Arlene was a Christian woman that put God first in her life. The work she did speaks volumes for her. She touched the lives of people from all walks of life. She embraced people of different religious denominations as well as ethnicities. Her love of people gained her a huge extended family. Arlene was an educated woman who believed her calling in life was to help all that crossed her path in need. She did this through her work in Corrections and her service at Good Shepherd, a home for troubled youth. She always listened and gave good advice; gaining the respect of the inmates while working at the correctional facility. Later, while at Good Shepherd, where she was affectionately called “Grandma”, her guidance and nurturing qualities made a real difference in the lives of many of the youth she encountered. There was a special union formed between Arlene Thomas and Carol Milton Smith (Sonny) that created a wonderful close knit family. Even when this union ended they remained life-long friends. Arlene built special relationships with each of her daughters; standing beside them as she assisted in rearing her grandchildren. Her love resonates in the personalities of her grandchildren, whom she always encouraged to express themselves. She was very active in their lives, attending various school events, giving praise when necessary, and imparting tacit knowledge that could only come from her. Arlene opened her home to several struggling young people and gave them a new start, she lovingly cared for their children, thereby allowing them to continue their education and pursue careers. Arlene believed in the unity of family. She was committed to keeping family together and this was evident by the huge family gatherings that she would host. People came from all over to get some of Arlene’s delicious gourmet soul-food (which may have tried but few will ever be able to duplicate.) She was always generous and hospitable and made everyone feel welcome. She was down to earth and outspoken, and when she spoke everyone listened. When faced with challenges she persevered and used he lessons she learned to encourage others; triumphantly prevailing, while giving the glory to God! Her lighthearted personality and welcoming smile are deeply missed. Today we set free our beautiful butterfly! Arlene was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Ellen Thomas; and her father, Jesse Eugene Thomas; and one sister, Jean Hinton. She is survived by her five daughters and their husbands and significant others, Kia Thomas-Brooks and James Brooks, Teresa Thomas-Brown and Victor Brown, Michelle Thomas and Raymond Walker, Robin Smith and Jerome Williams and Dezire Chaney; three sons, Kevin Smith, Jeffrey Smith and Darnell Smith; twenty-eight grandchildren, Tiara, Ronnie, Terry, Rashad, Tyrone, James (granddaughter to be Tara) Shanay, Michael, Tyrea, Diamond, Terrell, Sarah, Jade, Jerome, Marquis, Aalilyah, Malik, Terra, Matthew, Stone, Queen, Crystal, Kaya, Kevin Jr., Kahlid, Guel, Reid and Devin; two great-grandchildren, Amirah and Nevaeh; one brother, Tyrone Theodore Thomas; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Patricia and Haleem Ali and Joyce Rahman; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Extended family to include but not limited to, Lisa Roosevelt and family, Tavian, Lil Sam, Michelle Smith and family, Dump and family, Daletta Hughes and family, Kim Ames and family

Tributes

Arlene Thomas

March 16, 2012