George Edward

Thomas

George Thomas Jr was born on October 12, 1953, to the union of George and Olivia Thomas

in Toledo, Ohio. Also born to the union were Alton Emerson (deceased), Frances Eleanore, Joyce Lynn,

Aaron (deceased), Leah, Robin (deceased), Heather Ruth and Karen Olivia. He was affectionately

known as Beano to his family and friends.

He went to elementary school in Toledo where he learned to play the cello along with his sister,

Frances, who played the violin. They put on concerts for the school and their parents. He, thus,

became a music lover, that of classical, jazz and R&B. He loved disc jockeying many parties and

social gatherings. He went to Jr High and High School in Flint, Michigan where the family moved to in

1968. Afterward he worked odd jobs and also boxed the Golden Gloves which he was very good at.

George was gregarious — he was full of laughter and joy! He was known for this. He was

also very generous and loved his family very much. It was often by surprise that his sisters received a

card from him including "bubble gum money." His Dad taught him discipline and hard work and his Mom

taught him to be very clean — he was meticulous.

George left Flint at age 18 to secure a job at Chrysler in Détroit. Soon afterward, he met

Latonya, who he married. They brought 2 children into the world, April and Demetrius, both deceased.

He had a special relationship with the lady of his life, Anita Brooks-Jones. He has many nieces and

nephews: Quincey Thomas, Darion Thomas, Dequan Hester (deceased), Antonio Hester (deceased),

Courtney Thomas, Sarah (Neil) Frye, Robert Allan McHaney, Ondray Lay, Rayona Lay, Ah'Quan Lay,

Brooklynn Fields. His granddaughter is named Olivia Thomas, after her great-grandmother. Also loved

are a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

George carried a heavy load and he had many struggles which he bore each day. He was very

strong; he prayed often and studied the Bible throughout his life. He shared his hope of living in a

peaceful, righteous new world often as he talked with his sisters. Some of the things they talked about

are reflected in the poem his sister wrote: "The New World Is On The Horizon."