Marie Louise Thomas

A wake for Marie will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 7901 Quincy Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44104, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cummingsanddavisfh.com for the Thomas family.

Marie Louise Cook Lawson Thomas, the only child of Rev. B. Robert and Emma Lawson, was born April 28, 1925 in Paulsboro, New Jersey.

Marie and her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1930’s where she finished school. Marie was led to Christ at an early age by her father who was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church at the time. Marie later earned a PhD in Education from Virginia Union University. She aspired to be an educator.

Marie married the love of her life, Frederick S. Thomas in the late 1940’s, and to this union their only child Jacquelyn Diane was born in 1951.

Marie worked in Cleveland City Hall at the Building Permit Division. She was very happy with her work writing out many kinds of permits. Marie devised a system which allowed her work and that of her colleagues to be completed in record time. She retired early, but was awarded full retirement benefits.

Marie had a gift of gab, a great sense of humor, and a radiant smile to match. Her favorite colors were blue and green. She enjoyed bowling, crochet, sewing, crossword puzzles, singing in the choirs, playing handbells, teaching Sunday school, and participating in the Senior Walk. Marie was the essence of love. She was a woman with great wisdom and did not mind sharing it. Marie was a faithful, life-long member of Emmanuel Baptist Church until her passing.

Marie and B. Jernigan met over cake. Marie’s mouth watered for a slice of cake and B. gave her two slices! They became friends which later led to B. becoming her care giver upon Marie’s request. Their bond grew and B. cared for her as a daughter until her last moments.

Marie went on to be with the Lord, November 4, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Marie leaves to cherish her memories, daughter, Jacquelyn D. Thomas; one granddaughter, Erin Y. Jones; three great-grandchildren, Mykal Jones, Kennedy Jones, and Trenton Jones; caregiver, B. Jernigan; friend Suzanne Sawyer; members of The New Zion Gospel and Emmanuel Baptist churches, and a host of other friends.