To view Deacon Albert Thomas, Jr. memorial folder, please click the "Program" link below:
Program

Glimpse of His Life
Deacon Albert Thomas, Jr.
"Señor Tomás"
1942-2023
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." -Psalm 37:23

"God was up to something good, and he chose Albert Thomas, Jr. to be a part of it."
Deacon Albert Thomas, Jr. was the blessed only son of Albert Thomas, Sr. and Idella Thomas. He was born on May 27, 1942, in the Dills community of Jefferson County (Monticello), Florida. A lifelong resident, he was determined to be actively involved in making a difference in the community he dearly loved.

"The joy of the Lord is his strength." -Nehemiah 8:10
Albert Thomas, Jr.'s successful life journey was the fulfillment of God's divine purpose for his life. God blessed Albert with a servant leader's heart and personal skills to positively influence the lives of others. He was a dedicated teacher, mentor, friend, and trustee who was also articulate, knowledgeable, and concerned, but most of all, he was well-loved and highly respected.

"Delight yourself in the Lord; He will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4
Deacon Albert made his personal confession of his belief in Jesus, was baptized, and became a member of the household of faith. He established a relationship with God and began his mission to gain eternal life. As he grew in grace, he demonstrated Christlike qualities by leading with Christian examples. In doing so, he instilled in his family the desire to walk upright before God for themselves. As a member of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, Deacon Albert served faithfully on the Deacon and Trustee Boards. More recently, he later became a member of Celebrate New Life Tabernacle, Inc.

"Whoever desires to become great among you, shall be a servant." -Matthew 20:26
Albert Thomas worked in various levels in the educational, and community vineyards. He retired after more than 35 years of committed service in the Jefferson County School System including administrative and School Board office experience. In the classroom, the Lord  equipped Albert with the necessary skills for interacting with the students to give God the glory for their success. Students from his Spanish classes (many decades later) continue to speak highly of the valuable lessons "Señor Tomás" taught them. Whether he spoke in English or in Spanish, "Señor Tomás" promoted academic excellence - leaving no child behind because he believed in them.

Likewise, he had the same standard of excellence in everything he attempted because his desire was to always give God his best. Albert Thomas, Jr. was involved in being active, productive, and committed to various civic, educational, and everyday involvements because he was also determined to make a difference in his hometown community.

Albert Thomas, Jr. began his educational journey at Howard Academy in Monticello, and proceeded to Suwannee River Junior College, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), University of Washington (Seattle), Florida State University, and University of Florida. As a student at FAMU, he was inducted (second in his class) into Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Later he selflessly declined an offer in the doctoral program because he felt there was a greater need for him to return home to help the students succeed. Great is thy faithfulness!

Some of the many organizations of his active participation included the Jefferson Senior Executive Board, Special Adviser & Fundraiser (Monticello Boys & Girls Club), Chamber of Commerce – Board of Directors, Tri-County Electric - District 7, Board of Directors, Jefferson County High School JROTC Booster, Big Bend Hospice member, Adult & Community Educators (ACE) of Florida, Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee, Jefferson County Ministerial Association, and Florida Vocational Association.

"His soul was anchored in the Lord."
Because his physical weakness created spiritual strength, Albert was not weary in spirit, nor did he complain at any point in his illness. Whenever he was asked how he was feeling, his familiar response was, "I'm trying to make it." However, he also had a made-up mind that "When He calls me, I will answer. I'll be somewhere listening for my name." His prayer was answered in the early morning hour on Monday, October 9, 2023, when Albert Thomas, Jr. heard the Master call his name. Then in a moment and in the twinkling of an eye, he joyfully transitioned from his earthly labor to receive his heavenly reward. "Well done, good and faithful servant…. Enter the joy of the Master."

"When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that would be."
Deacon Albert Thomas, Jr. lived to die only to live again. He was determined to do as much as he could, for all that he could, and in any way that he could. His spiritual legacy is embedded in the hearts of all who will miss him until they meet again. Among them are his loving wife of 57 years: Celestine Perry Thomas of Monticello, FL; devoted sons: Derrick E. (Lourdes) Thomas of Tallahassee, FL, Warren S. (Cassandra)Thomas of Wesley Chapel, FL, and Edwin K. (Janine) Thomas of Monticello, FL; sisters: Nellie Thomas Randell of Riverview, FL and Josephine (Bishop Stanley) Williams of Youngstown, OH; brother-in-law: Ellis Ivy of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law: Manuel Lee Wright of Monticello, FL; grandchildren: Devin Thomas, Erica Thomas, Corey Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Paris Thomas, Crystal Mayo, Caleb Mayo, and Amaya Thomas; godchildren: Jennifer Brown, Adreaunna Brown Nelson, and Loray Washington; together with many other loving and sorrowing relatives, friends, and associates.

"Adiós Señor Tomás"
"You've been faithful; you've been true, and for all the things that you do,
and for your faithfulness, it's your time. You applauded the rest;
now it's your time to be blessed, and for your faithfulness, it's your time." - Luther Barnes