Bishop John Franklin Thomas

Obituary For Bishop John Franklin Thomas

Bishop John Franklin Thomas, 92, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at his residence in Albany, Georgia.

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Public Viewing (Lie in Repose) Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. EST in the Greater Grace Church of God in Christ, 205 S. Westover Blvd, Albany, Georgia 31701.

The Local & Jurisdiction Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. EST in the Greater Grace Church of God in Christ, 205 S. Westover Blvd, Albany, Georgia 31701.

The National Homegoing Celebration will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 12:30 P.M. EST in the Greater Grace Church of God in Christ, 205 S. Westover Blvd, Albany, Georgia 31701.

Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery, 200 Cotton Ave, Albany, Georgia 31701.

The Right Reverend John Franklin Thomas, the third of seven children, was born on September 7, 1932, to Charlie and Dora Bell Hobbs Thomas in Baconton, Georgia. He spent his formative years in Albany, Georgia and his formal education included attending Monroe High School; Albany, Georgia.

During a church service on a Saturday night, his eyes were drawn to a beautiful young woman, that was in attendance. Bishop Thomas made his move and a courtship ensued. In 1959, he married Inez Edwards and to this union they raised ten children. As a young adult, he accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized in water, later receiving the full baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Making their home, in Albany, Georgia, Bishop John and Mother Inez Thomas reared all of their children in the church, while serving in ministry. Bishop Thomas took great pride and joy in providing for his family, often working multiple jobs to ensure their care.

His skills and employment included attending Insurance School; Thomasville, Georgia and receiving his license as an Insurance Underwriter under National Standard Life. As an insurance agent, he was awarded as the “Agent of The Month” for several months and won a trip to Miami, Florida, during his employment. For many years he worked as a television repairman, as a result of his hard workmanship, he was able to open his own television repair shop. Prior to working in ministry full time, he was employed as a supervisor at the M&M Mars Candy Company, where he retired, in 1985.

In 1963, Bishop Thomas acknowledged his call to the gospel ministry. As a very faithful and dedicated member to his local church, he served in various capacities including; Deacon, Choir Director, Musician and Sunday School Superintendent. Observing his faithfulness, humility and leadership capabilities, he continued to work and was appointed to various positions. He served as Assistant Pastor under the late Superintendent Thomas J. Walker located in Albany, Georgia. Seeing his faithfulness, obedience, dedication and working closely with his pastor, Superintendent Walker requested that Bishop Thomas be appointed as his successor as pastor of Walker Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Albany, Georgia and Pittsview, Alabama Church of God in Christ, Pittsview, Alabama. He was also recommended as Superintendent of the Columbus District, Church of God in Christ to continue the work of the Lord.

Knowing there are higher heights and deeper depths and desiring to learn more about the Lord, Bishop Thomas attended the Georgia Western Jurisdictional Institute in Columbus, Georgia. In 2002, he received the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Guadulupe Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. In 2006, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bread of Life Christian University Theological Seminary in San Antonio, Texas.

In 2023, he was presented with the Life Time Service Award by the Board of Bishops, Church of God in Christ. Also in 2024, per the Ameri Corps and the office of the President of the United States of America, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Bishop Thomas was awarded “The Chairman's Life Time Service Award.”

Bishop John Thomas worked closely with Bishop Henderson Spivey in the formation of The Georgia Western Jurisdiction. Bishop Henderson Spivey groomed Bishop Thomas for the position of Bishop. In November 2013, Bishop John F. Thomas was consecrated and installed to the office of Bishop of the Georgia Western Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction as a result of the demise of Bishop Henderson Spivey.

As the Jurisdictional Prelate of Georgia Western Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. Bishop Thomas was known to be a Godly leader, full of integrity, wisdom, humility, fairness, intelligent and dignity. He consistently remained reachable, touchable and would add wit and humor to almost any situation. He was in the true sense of the word, a LOVER of people. Bishop Thomas was an advocate of Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly” Not only did he preach the word, but he lived what he preached! He was respected among his peers within and beyond the faith community and embodied the spirit of a servant leader; preaching the gospel, praying for the sick, providing counseling, performing countless weddings and blessing countless families for over six decades. Among his most notable accomplishments was the renovation and beautification of Walker Tabernacle, Church of God in Christ.

Bishop Thomas was a lover of music and loved to sing. Knowing that age was not a factor in accomplishing his goals and fulfilling his dreams, in 2012, he stepped out on FAITH and recorded his first CD. This became proof of the Word of God that if you live as the Bible says, “you can ask anything in His name and He will do it.”

While he enjoyed attending family events such as, graduations, family reunions and holidays, anytime spent with his family brought him joy. His love and commitment to his family kept a smile on his face and joy in his heart. Bishop Thomas believed in and loved family and sought to leave a legacy of righteous living for this family to follow. His success in this endeavor has definitely been fulfilled.

For sixty-six years, Bishop and Mother Thomas enjoyed a love story like none other. Their union would become a model marriage for generations. Their love for the Lord, each other and for people made them a testament for God’s favor and blessings.

He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, Lady Inez Edwards Thomas of sixty- six years, and his seven children: Francenia Gordon, District Missionary Janice Rivers (Henry), Diana Donaldson, Evangelist Ilene Thomas, Edwin Thomas, Missionary Shari Thomas, and Bishop Derrick Thomas (Pastor Kwajalein). He is also remembered with love by his four sisters: Elder Mary Johnson, Evangelist Annette Felton, Minister Georgia Rivers (Apostle Roosevelt), and Emma Rogers-Burns. His legacy continues through: Twenty-seven grandchildren, Eighty-six great grandchildren, Thirty-six great-great-grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The members of Walker Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, The Western Georgia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

He was preceded in death by three sons: John F. Thomas, Jr., Arthur L. Thomas, and George R. Thomas. Also preceding him in death were five sisters: Elder Eugene McClendon, Clara Whitfield, Catherine Thomas, Ella Lovett, and Cora Simmons; and three brothers: Bishop Andrew F. Caldwell, Thomas C. Caldwell, Jr., Samuel Caldwell, and Hubert Kegler.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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