Joseph Henry Thomas

JOSEPH H. THOMAS, JR., son of the late Dr. Joseph H. Thomas, Sr. and Flavia L. Ridley Thomas, was born on May 16, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland. Joe departed this life on February 28, 2006 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer. After graduating from the Tilton Preparatory School in Tilton, New Hampshire, Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Brown University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland College of Law in 1964. Between college and law school, Joe enlisted in the U.S. Marines where he received an honorable discharge after attaining the rank of captain. Joe's career interest included the stockmarket and law, a profession he successfully practiced for over thirty years. In 1967 Joe was appointed to the Human Relations Commission. Joe also served on the board of the Turner Station Historical Committee and was instrumental in the collection of data and documentation on the life and humanitarian contributions of the Thomas family, specifically the contributions of his father Dr. Joseph H. Thomas, Sr. Joe provided numerous personal historical artifacts to support this effort. Additionally, he served as legal counsel for the East Baltimore Community Corporation. In 1953, Joe married the former Anna Laura Lee of Tallahassee, Florida and from this union six children were born. Joseph was also briefly married to the former Bea Carroll. In 1982, Joseph married the former Lois A. Young. Joe was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He loved sports, jazz and Broadway musicals and could be counted upon to enter into a rendition of such favorite songs as "Goodnight My Someone" and "Sunrise Sunset" at a moment's notice. Family meant everything to Joe. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be missed more than words can ever convey by his family and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Lois. Joseph's legacy of love includes: his six children, Nina Thomas Goodwin of Rochester, N.Y., Donna Thomas Harper of Toronto, Canada, Susan Beth Thomas and Laura Ann Thomas Brooks of Chicago, Ill., Joseph H. Thomas III and Gordon Thomas of Houston, Tx.; two sons-in-law, David Brooks of Chicago, Ill. and William H. Harper III of Toronto, Canada; eight beautiful grandchildren, Jonathan, Olivia and Justin Goodwin, Kellie and Kyle Thomas, Stephen Harper, Anna and Amber Brooks; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Joseph Henry Thomas

May 16, 1933 - February 28, 2006