Frank Leroy Thomas transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, September 4, 2021 in the presence of his family.
Frank was born Christmas Day, December 25, 1933, the seventh of eight children born to Edward Thomas and Rebecca Bennett Thomas in Brooks County, Georgia.
At the age of 10, Frank joined Bethel A.M.E. Church. This church had a special place in his heart because his maternal grandparents joined Bethel after slavery. He attended Brooks High School, where he played tackle on two state championship teams coached by the late Mr. Calvin Rutherford. He graduated from high school in 1953. After graduation, he attended Morris Brown College on a full athletic scholarship. He graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Studies Education. In 1958, he began his teaching career in the Lanier County School System. In 1959, Frank received a teaching position in the Brooks County School System, where he taught for 36 years. He did further study at Albany State, Atlanta University, Valdosta State College and Emory University.
Some have described Frank as friendly, kind, and frank. While others have described him as a Proverbs 4 kind of man---an empathic listener and advisor.
He exhibited those characteristics in every endeavor in which he participated. Known for his storytelling skills and love of history, he stood as a role model for the young men in the community. In 1960, he married Deloris Adams, a fellow teacher. To their union were born two daughters, Valerie Michelle Thomas and Tenjurie Valencia Thomas. While maintaining his membership at Bethel AME Church for more than 78 years, he sang in the Senior Choir, served as a Class Leader, Trustee, Steward, Lay Organization President, Finance Committee Member, and Sons of Allen Member. Further, he tutored in Bethel Community Development Center. He was active in the Thomasville-Bainbridge District and the South Georgia Conference of the AME Church.
During the Civil Right Era, Frank, a staunch voting rights advocate, registered African Americans to vote throughout Brooks County. He served as a spokesperson during the negotiations with the City of Quitman on issues related to Civil Rights. During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked tirelessly to get others elected to public office in Brooks County. In 1999, Frank launched his bid for a seat on the Brooks County Board of Education, District 5. He served on the Board for 20 years. Frank worked 36 years in the Brooks County School System spending most of his career as an US History teacher. Thus, his total service to the Brooks County School System was 56 years.
He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and a founding member of the Fellows Club.
His additional civic and professional contributions included Brooks County Library Board, Brook County Zoning Commission, Georgia Retired Educators Association, Brooks County Retired Educators Association, Democratic Party of Georgia, and Brooks County Democratic Committee. He held many positions working tirelessly to promote the vision and mission of these organizations. Frank received numerous awards, honors, recognitions, plaques and trophies for his service to these organizations.
His beloved wife, the late Mrs. Deloris Adams Thomas, and his parents, Edward and Rebecca Thomas, preceded Frank in death. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: two adoring daughters, Attorney Valerie Thomas Bryant (Darryl) and Tenjurie Thomas; one sister, Rebecca Thomas Lee; one brother-in-law, Russell (Eleanor) Adams, one sister-in law, Mattie Adams; three grandchildren, Dedrek Bryant, Valecia Bryant, and Vanay Bryant; two special caregivers, Sharon Spence and Cynthia Hunter; two special friends, Willie Batchelor and Johnnie Dye; and two goddaughters, Attorney Jocelyn Chisholm Carter and Dionne Phillips. He also leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, former students and friends.
Funeral Service for Mr. Frank L. Thomas will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 AM on the Lawn of Bethel AME Church 1203 South Court Street. Quitman, Georgia. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery
Public Viewing: Friday, September 10, 2021: 12:00- 7:00 PM in the BTW Funeral Services’ Chapel
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For Customer Service please call: 1-888-610-8262
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