Service Details
Funeral services will be held at Searching Together Missionary Baptist Church, located at 825 Caron Butler Dr., Racine, WI, 53403, on November 1st, 2024, at 11:00 am, where her life will be honored and remembered. Prior to the service, a public visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 am. Following the homegoing celebration, Annie will be laid to rest in a burial ceremony, marking the final chapter of her Earthly story, at 12:30 pm, at Graceland Cemetery.
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In loving memory of Annie D. Thomas, a beacon of strength and faith, who went home to her Lord and Savior on October 19, 2024, at the age of 78. Born in Enterprise, MS on June 12, 1946, she was a woman of unwavering spirit and a devoted homemaker, who poured her heart into her family each day.
Annie’s journey on this Earth was marked by faith and dedication. She found solace in the embrace of her community at Greater Mt. Eagle Missionary Baptist Church before finding a new home at Starlight Outreach Ministries, where she served as their First Lady for a remarkable 25 years with her husband, John Thomas, the Founder and Former Pastor of Starlight Outreach Church. Her commitment to her church and her community knew no bounds.
In her moments of respite, Annie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and her love for shopping was unparalleled. Her home was a place of refuge where she allowed God to use her as a conduit of love. A culinary expert, her kitchen was more than just a room-it was a place of warmth and comfort, and the aroma of some of her most delectable creations including banana pudding, collard greens, and pinto beans with homemade cornbread will forever linger.
But above all, Annie’s heart brimmed with love for her entire family. She was a treasured daughter, loving sister, beloved wife, loving mother, a nurturing grandmother, great-grandmother, and a guide to all who knew her. She raised not only her own children but also several of her grandchildren, instilling in them the same principles of love and resilience that guided her own life.
Annie leaves behind a legacy of love and unwavering faith. She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved spouse of sixty-one (61) years, John Thomas, her children Gwendolyn McNeil, Victor Thomas, Sr., Paulette (James) Stokes, Roshonda Thomas; grandchildren, Taron McNeil, Tavaris (Sierrah) McNeil, Ladorris Thomas, Victor Thomas, Jr., Victoria Thomas, Cameron Thomas, Julian Thomas, Antionette Thomas, Tony Thomas, Victhaja Thomas, Victavian Thomas, Isaiah Thomas, Martika Stokes, Darian Stokes, Anterio (Lorena) Stokes, Sharlissa (Devonte) Harris, Ciera McClain, Calvin McClain; great-grandchildren, Lonnie, Amilliano, Julian Jr., Alexandria, Allison, Antonio, Carolina, Cario, Samera, Layla, Jayden, Shatorria, Zontell, Jermiaha, Quincy, Ella, Lex, Zamiyah, Serenity, Shelton, Amar’e, Mila, Devonte Jr, Ke’Leyah, Ke’Niyah, Elijah, Malakai, Levi, Taron, Jr.; siblings, Dr. Betty Pace, Minister Della Buckley, Minister Delores Brown, Elder Joseph Buckley, Willie Mayes-Buckley, Wanda Buckley; best friend, Henrietta Moore; and other relatives and friends who shared her journey through life.
Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Ora Buckley; brother, Terry Buckley; sisters, Lydamae, Shirley Buckley, Mary Martin, Eula Booker, and Louise Tucker.
Funeral services will be held at Searching Together Missionary Baptist Church, located at 825 Caron Butler Dr., Racine, WI, 53403, on November 1st, 2024, at 11:00 am, where her life will be honored and remembered. Prior to the service, a public visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 am. Following the homegoing celebration, Annie will be laid to rest in a burial ceremony, marking the final chapter of her Earthly story, at 12:30 pm, at Graceland Cemetery.
Rest in peace, dear Annie. Your light will continue to shine brightly in our lives, guiding us through the darkness with the warmth of your love. May her soul find eternal peace as she reunites with her loved ones who have gone before her.
Mary Jeffries & The Bedford Family says
A wonderful woman of love and faith. Sincere condolences to the entire family. Rest in peace Annie. 🙏❤️
George says
I love you grandma. Forever. Thank you, for everything.
Taron McNeil says
Dear God I ask that you would welcome my Grandma Ann Thomas into the pearly gates of heaven; where there’s no more pain, suffering, emergency room visits and dr appointments, no more getting poked and not having to take a absorbent amount of medication daily. Grandma, I appreciate every home cooked meal, every hug around my neck and every kiss on my forehead. You always told me you’re happy I don’t look like what I’ve been through in life and I wish I could see you one more time just to hear you laugh. My heart is heavy, my eye’s are wet, but I’ll be okay because you I know you’re in heaven watching all the re-runs of The Golden Girls and the Price is Right. I love you more than my words could ever express. Your first Grandchild…
-Taron-
Sharon Tye says
Sending my condolences to the family
Dr. Charles C Jones says
I send my condolences and prayers to the family
Sharlissa Harris says
Grandma I’m going to miss you dearly but I know you’re in heaven pain and worry free. I love you and I want to say thank you for help molding me into the woman I am today.
Sherman L Mcneil says
My mother in law was a loving, caring Woman. Who forever will be loved, treasured and missed. Rest in peace Mom
Audrey Swoops says
WOW! It’s hard to believe you’re gone. I am going to miss all the laughs with you we would have while waiting for Pastor Thomas to pick you up at the front door. R.I.P My condolences and prayers to the family.
Jennifer J Ticer says
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY !! MRS ANNIE WAS A LOVELY LADY & A STRONG WOMAN OF GOD !!
Anonymous says
Ms. Thomas you were always nice I appreciated all your kindness May you rest now in the arms of Jesus Christ and may the Lord provide peace and comfort to your family.
Karen
Anonymous says
Losing a parent/;grandparent is an unimaginable pain. Please remember that you’re not alone in your grief. Lean on the love and support of friends and family as you navigate through this difficult journey.
Anonymous says
“Gone, but never far from your hearts. Deepest sympathy for your loss.”
Anonymous says
I am holding your family close in my thoughts as you navigate through this painful time. Your mother’s presence will always be felt, and her love will continue to surround you.
Calvin says
Grandma I love you so much and it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that you are gone. But I am so glad I got to spend so much time with you and enjoy all of the laughs together. I will miss you a lot
Ella. Richardson says
So. Sorry. For. Your. Loss
Rose Reed Kirk and Family says
My condolences to the family. We were next-door neighbors for a several years. Our children were friends and always visiting each other. It’s sad to hear of Annie’s passing but “ to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” for all who believe in Jesus Christ. We are praying for strength for each of you, on the journey that lies ahead. Please remember, according to God’s Word: “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning .” The Reed, Kirk family
Darian Stokes says
Grandma I know you are resting peacefully in heaven. We will all miss you greatly. God bless.
Martika says
Grandma it’s been so long since I saw you but you have everlasting memories in my heart from all those years ago. Our last few conversations on the phone you were so lively bringing so many smiles to my face. I love you so much and hope you are always remembered as the woman that loved and cared and nurtured so many people while you were here. Love you always.
Joanne Tucker-Powell & Family says
Our condolences to Annie family and all those who love her 🙏 ❤️. RIP Annie 🙏
Ciera says
Grandma I’m so thankful for all the laughs we got to share together and getting to see your beautiful smile with your gold teeth. I miss you so much i know your in a better place i cherish all the time we spent I love you
Stacey Moore says
Sending condolences to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Terio Stokes says
Grandma I really don’t wanna do this but like always I have to let you know that I’m there for you. I miss you so much. You are really a mother to me I will keep making you proud.
Terio Stokes says
Grandma I don’t want to do this but like always I have to let you know that I am there for you. You are really mom like my mom I love and miss you so much. I will keep making you proud
Telveda McNeil says
To the Thomas and Buckley family. On behalf of the McNeil family we are sending our condolences and prayers. Our families go back a long way, since Freeman Court days. Annie will truly be missed.
The McNeil family
Mary Hooks & family says
The Hooks family send their heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family, friends, and acquaintances. God continue to bless and strengthen you all. 🙏🏾
Willie Buckley says
I enjoyed the time I shared with my sister. RIP.
Anthony Turner sr says
Our condolences to a wonderful family
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family of Annie D. Thomas. May God surround you all with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Altha Fondren says
so sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful first lady, sending condolences & prayers.
Cheryl L Brown says
Your Earthly Presence will be Greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Anonymous says
I will always remember Ms. Thomas a tall slim caramel woman of color who was not only beautiful with a cute smile that showed a strong hard working mother who took the crooked with the straight’s of life while always looking ahead .
Ms. Thomas always made me feel like I belonged especially when Victor would be teasing me calling me one of his many personal dumb nicknames like “ light bulb or lemon head “ Ms. Thoms would say “ Victor leave her alone.”
whenever I was with you and your family whether it was a weekend or the Holidays, I always felt welcomed. Guess what ? I don’t remember everything I talked about with Ms. Thomas but what I do remember is how Ms. Thomas made me feel 🙂. I close my eyes and I still see you sitting at the kitchen table with your legs crossed drinking a cup of coffee, know that you were loved 💕 and will be forever Loved 🥰 .
I know Ms. Thomas could have been anything in this world but I thank God she chose
“ KIND “
All Nations Church says
Founder Pastor Virginia Lackey, Pastor Roger Carson along with All Nations Church were saddened by the transition of our dear Sister Thomas whom we loved we are praying for strength for the family during this time of loss , “Earth has now sorrow that heaven cannot heal”
Sister Thomas fought a good fight and now her course is finished she is now at rest , weeping only endure for a night and know that joy cometh in the morning Family you all are in our prayers
John K Helm says
Condolences to the family of this gentle and beautiful woman. She was always so kind to me whenever I encountered her. And to her husband Mr. John Thomas of 61 yrs ,I can’t imagine the enormity of the loss you’re feeling.
Sheila N Grandy says
May God comfort you all during this time,😔🙏
Jennie Story Dawson says
Sending my condolences and prayers to you all! Paulett, may all of the wonderful memories fill your heart! Jennie Story Dawson