Thomas Arthur Kemp

Just before dawn on Friday,March 25,2011,during the silence of the night,our hearts were deeply saddened by the passing of our loved one,Thomas Arthur Kemp,who lived a life of love,caring,service,and faith in God. We pause today,not to grieve our loss,but to thank God for the wonderful life of my dear husband,our father,grandfather,great-grandfather,brother,uncle,relative and friend. Thomas Arthur Kemp,"Tom",as he was fondly called,was born on January 22,1928 in Richmond,Virginia. He was the youngest of five siblings born to the late Reverend John William Kemp,Sr. and Mrs. Hattie Elizabeth Hunter Kemp. He was preceded in death by one brother,Robert Kemp,Sr. and one sister,BerthelKemp Carmichael. Tom was educated in the public schools of Richmond,Virginia. Upon graduation from Armstrong High School,he attended Virginia Union University. Tom later enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country and received an honorable discharge at the end of his tour of duty Tom began his employment career as a medical technician with McGuire Hospital. He made a career change by accepting employment with the United States Postal Service,serving in several capacities, and concluding as a letter carrier. Tom retired as a United States Government worker in 1982 after 37 years of dedicated service. Tom accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by his father,the Reverend John Kemp,during his tenure as Pastor of Cedar Street Baptist Church(CSBC). Thomas served as a chaplin of the LaVie Club of CSBC for many years. He actively participated in the activities of LaVie as they served the needy,seniors,and community at large. Thomas never joined the choir,but had a melodious voice and could sing any hymn without the use of a hymnal. Tom was a true Christian gentleman who was kind,loving,and sincere! he embraced life with vitality and dignity. He always had a positive attitude,a kind word and a smile for everyone who passed his way. Tom was a man of few words;he was often compared to E.F. Hutton because when Thomas spoke,people listened. It was said,"If you have a secret and want it kept,tell it to Tom". Tom celetrated 28 years of marital bliss on March 12,2011 with his devoted and loving wife,the former Barbara Boyd. They shared many activities together. There were many years of dedicated Sunday worship services ans special church events at CSBC,the numerous cruises,the travels throughout the country,and the times spent with family and friends. They enjoyed a great life together and all it offered them. Tom and Barbara were the epitome of oneness. He never called her Barbara,but affectionately called her"Darling". His last words to her from his death bed were,"Hello Darling." Tom leaves a loving and devoted family and an abundance of friends and caring neighbors. His life ended peacefully at Retreat Hospital on March 25,2011,but his Spirit lives on in each person's heart that knew or met him. Surviving to cherish his precious memories are his loving wife,Barbara;daughter,Cynthia Bell;two sons,James Robinson and Samuel Cokes,III;grandchildren,William and Travis Bell,Jasmine,Taylor,and Brandon Cokes;great-grandchildren,Kierstin Malana Bell;sister,Lillian Kemp Mapp;brother,John Kemp,Jr.(Eleanor);devoted nephews,Robert Kemp,Jr.,Norman S. Mapp,Jr.,Thomas A. Mapp,and Michael L. Mapp;nieces,Debra M. Thornton and Gloria K. Taylor;great-nephews;great-nieces;and a host of other relatives and many friends.

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Thomas Arthur Kemp

January 22, 1928 - March 25, 2011