Artis James Thomas

ARTIS JAMES THOMAS, SR. was born March 15, 1944, in Doyline, Louisiana to Annie Rose Watson and O. G. Thomas. He grew up in Shreveport, graduating from Booker T. Washington Senior High School where he was in U. S. Army ROTC and sports, with football being his first love. He attended Grambling State University where he played football under the famous and the most successful coach, Eddie Robinson.

He later returned to Shreveport, and while in Shreveport he worked at various companies including Gould Battery. Later he moved to Houston, Texas and was employed by Harris County as a Law Enforcement Officer until his retirement. Because of his love for football, he coached a Little League Team and gave of his service in the community.

Artis confessed Christ at an early age in Shreveport, LA. After moving to Houston, he became a member of Unity in God Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Fred McNack and later joining Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, under the Pastoral leadership of Rev. F. N. Williams, Sr.

He was married to the late Elnora Adams Thomas of Shreveport, Louisiana, Minnie Johnson Thomas of Houston, Texas and presently to Nancy Chu-Thomas of Houston, Texas.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Annie Watson Simpson and O.G. Thomas, Children: Anthony Thomas and Derrick Thomas, Sister: Judy Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Wife of 21 years, Nancy; Children: Bridget Thomas Brown (Brent) of Shreveport, LA, Artis Thomas, Jr. (Norma) of Austin, Texas, Shannon Castille of DeSoto, Texas, Garrick Thomas of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Pastor Corey Thomas (Tiffany) of Huntsville, Alabama, Dr. Talya Thomas, Jackson, MS, Sydney Cole-Thomas of Houston, Texas and Dr. Derek He of Houston, Texas; Nineteen Grandchildren and thirteen Great Grandchildren; Sister—Susan Jones Anderson(Charles) of Lantana, Texas, brothers—Marion Jones of Shreveport, Louisiana and Michael Allen Jones of Mansfield, Texas; Aunts—Omeria Coleman—(favorite aunt) of Shreveport, Louisiana, Lula B. Young of Los Angeles, California, and Elnora Bell of Ramona, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all of them also that love His appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8