Deacon Jeremiah "Jerry" Thomas

Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Peaceful Rest B.C. 8200 St. Vincent Ave.  Interment will follow at Mt. Zion B.C., Cemetery.  Open visitation will be Friday at Heavenly Gates.

     Deacon Jeremiah “Jerry” Thomas was born October 25, 1937 in Shreveport, Louisiana.  He was the sixth of ten children.  His parents were Henderson and Annie B. Cash Thomas.  Born in a Christian home, Jerry accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport.  A lifelong member there, Jerry served the church in several capacities, including usher president, hospitality representative and general caretaker.

     As a young man, Jerry established himself as a businessman in Shreveport by opening and operating several businesses, including popular entertainment venues.  His last endeavor was the T & M Fence Company, which contracted throughout the State of Louisiana.  He owned and operated that business for more than 47 years, until his demise.

     But business was not his only focus.  Jerry held stature in his family.  At his passing, he was the patriarch of the Thomas clan, and as such, he influenced generations.

  Jerry was married to his wife, Reda Mae Thomas, for more than 51 years.  He was the father of four sons and one daughter.

  During a 16-month battle with cancer, Jerry fought valiantly, but succumbed on Saturday night, November 30, 2019, at 9 p.m.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

     Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Reda; his brother, George Thomas of Los Angeles, California; his sister, Vera Thomas Softleigh of Brooklyn, New York; his sons -- James McCraney of Long Beach, California, Larry Darnell Thomas of Corcoran, California, Jeremiah Thomas, Jr. of Fresno, California, and Dr. Eric D. Thomas (Wanda) of Shreveport, Louisiana; his daughter, Patricia Thomas Lee of Las Vegas, Nevada; his ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; as well as a large host of nephews, nieces, other family and friends.      

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