Estelle Reese Thomas

Estelle Reese Thomas was born on June 28, 1923 in Chester, South Carolina to Grace and Walter Reese. God called her home to be with him on April 12, 2016. The seventh of nine children, she was baptized at age 12 at Old Wilson Church where she served as an usher. Nicknamed “Peaches” as a girl, she was known as Grandmother Peaches and was famous for her peach cobbler, her rolls, and her cakes. Estelle lived most of her life in Baltimore, Maryland where she married Wilbert Thomas and raised their for daughters and three sons. Wilbert preceded her in death. She was a certified cook and worked in the capacity in the Baltimore City Public Schools for eighteen years before retiring; she also held a certificate for Home Nursing. Sister Thomas served as God as a faithful member of the Israel Baptist Church in Baltimore,Maryland for over 60 years. She was a member of the usher board and had served as its President. She was also an active member of the Senior Citizens Ministry and enjoyed trips with them as near as St. Michaels, Maryland and as far as Toronto, Canada. Sister Thomas served as a missionary and with the Helping Hands Ministry. Estelle Reese Thomas was an example and inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren because of her faith in God and her service in his name. Her prayers have been the wind beneath their wings. Of her , we can say, “O woman, great is thy faith; be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” (Matthew 15:28) she was an inspiration also because of her determination and preservance. After retiring, she enrolled in Basic Education classes and was reconized as an outstanding student and for pefect attendance. At age 65, she got her drivers license and bought a brad new car. She travelled by airplane to visit her sisters in Chester, South Carolina and to the National Baptist Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the senior member of te Greater Baltimore Chapter of Blacks in Governmentand attended the Million Woman March in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Estelle leaves to cherish fond memories: her seven children, Barbara C. Motley (Adolph), Joan B. Pinkey (Paul), Wilbert Thomas Jr., Edgar C. Thomas (Miriam), Phyllis A. Burton( David), Maggie Palmer (Eric), and Terry D. Thomas; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one sister Bettye M. Brown of Dayton, Ohio; nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

Tributes

Estelle Reese Thomas

June 29, 1923 - April 12, 2016