This is the story of Lowell (Bumpsie) Thomas 80 yrs. old left this earth on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Univ. of Maryland Medical Center in La Plata, MD. Mr. Thomas has a long battle with cardiac illness. He leaves behind his wife Shirley of 22 years, his sister, 7 children, 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He leaves behind his Aunt Lorrain “Cheek” several inlaws, son-in laws, daughter-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends all of whom he embraced.
Bumpsie’s story starts on January 22, 1939, the second of three children to Josiah C. Thomas and Burnell (Harris) Thomas. Bumpsie was born in New York, where he would spend his childhood, grow up, and made many lifelong friends.
Lowell grew up in a close knit family with his parent’s, older brother Carl and his younger sister Saline. His summers were spent in Bracy, VA with his grandparents William (Ben) and Rachel Harris; along with a large number of cousins and friends. He revisited the family home multiple times annually throughout his lifetime.
Lowell was educated in the New York City Public School System where he met his first wife Jo Ann. They were married in October of 1957 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Bronx, NY. Lowell was drafted into the Army in 1957 at the beginning of the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. He and wife JoAnn had four children together, Araina, Guandalina, Lowell and David Thomas. In June of 1971, he married Diane, at Loyal Baptist Church, Bronx, NY. Together they had two children, Darryl and Lanell Thomas. Lowell later married Shirley in 1997, he became a father to Monica as well. Late in life, Lowell learned he had another daughter, Stephanie.
He was Bum-Bum to his grandchildren whom he taught to say “I love Bum-Bum” before they could speak! Bum Bum’s grandchildren were his heart. He always had time to play with them, tickle them and give them a “muzzle”. He would say to the children “come here, you know you want some action… take this muzzle”. He kept lots of soda and hot dogs for the kids to enjoy.
Bum Bum’s Grandchildren: Alexis, Brianna & Cameron; Lowell & Linda, Curtis; Brittany & Imani; Jada; Josiah; Omari & RaShawn; Danielle, Tajnin & Kyle.
Great Grandchildren: Danielle, Lianna, DayShanay and Alaiya.
Bumpsie was like a father to many more children whom he took under his wings: Joey Rivera, Eric Hardy, Aaron Smith, Stevie, Riccardo, Johnnie Boy, Harrison, and Nicholas. All of whome he nicknamed "Bub".
Lowell retired from New York City Transit Authority and moved to Maryland in 1997. In Maryland, he gathered more friends and made them family. Bumpsie was a wonderful man, he loved everyone but even more so, everyone loved him. He enjoyed dancing, dressing and always wore his hats. After he retired he slept late and everyone knew not to disturb him until after he watched The Price Is Right! He loved to cook and would throw a barbeque at a moment’s notice. His front door was never locked. A case of Heinekens and his special sauce and the party was on. He was a Dallas Cowboys fan and loved to drive. He never missed a graduation, kid’s birthday party, recital, wedding or a funeral. He played cards, pool, dominoes. But most of all he loved to swim. He taught all the children to swim and to drive. He was much loved and will be missed by all. We love you!
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