Annie Rae Thomas

Obituary For Annie Rae Thomas

Mrs. Annie Rae Thomas, 93, of Phenix City, AL. passed July 19th, 2025 in Columbus, GA.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. EST, Friday, July 25, 2025 at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Pastor Noble Williams, Pastor. Burial in Green Acres Cemetery. Public viewing Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 12:00 noon till 5:00 p.m. EST.

On July 22, 1931, a precious girl was born to Herman Murphy and Fannie Nunn Murphy lovingly known as "Annie Rae." She embodied compassion, wisdom, and resilience. She was the cherished wife of the late Reverend David Thomas, with whom she shared a beautiful union of love and ministry until his passing on February 24, 2023. Together, they built not only a family but a legacy—faithfully serving their community and church, touching countless lives with the light of Christ.

Annie confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Although, she was a pastor's wife she maintained her devotion and membership at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama. She was a proud and active member of the East Alabama Women and Ministers' Wives Association, serving as a faithful member during her husband's tenancy— this role gave her joy, sisterhood, and purpose among women devoted to spiritual leadership and service. Her presence was a source of encouragement, and her counsel was a blessing to many. She was a devoted first lady, faithfully standing beside her husband and joyfully accompanying him as his greatest supporter during his gospel concerts. A true lover of nature, she found peace in the simple pleasures of life—spending tranquil moments on the front porch, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of her neighborhood. Her love for flowers was evident in the time she spent tending her garden, where she nurtured each bloom with the same gentle care she gave to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband David, and her siblings—Ellis Murphy, Raymond Murphy, and Alice Murphy Fuller.

Annie Murphy Thomas peacefully transition home to join the love of her life, Dave and the Lord on Saturday, July 19, 2025—just three days shy of her 94th birthday. A devoted wife, beloved mother, adoring grandmother, and steadfast woman of faith, Annie lived a life marked by grace, quiet strength, and unwavering love for God and others.

Annie's legacy lives on in her children: Reginald Raleigh (Cindy), Valerie Cosby (Rufus), and Charles Raleigh (Cynthia); her nine grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; goddaughter and son, Carolyn and Jessie Richards; favorite nieces, Margaret Higgins and Diane Hill; favorite nephew, Calvin Murphy; and a host of extended family and church members who were blessed by her steadfast faith, generous spirit, and boundless love.

Annie's life was a living testimony to the virtues of humility, devotion, and sacrificial love. She walked closely with God, served faithfully beside her husband in ministry, and nurtured those around her with kindness, selflessness, and wisdom. Her home was a haven, her prayers a covering, and her faith a beacon.

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary matriarch, we rejoice in the blessed assurance that she is now reunited with her beloved David, her parents, and her siblings—resting safely in the arms of the Savior she loved and served so well.

"Her children arise and call her blessed..." — Proverbs 31:28