Deacon Blake Thomas

Blake Thomas was born on March 28, 1934 to the late Henry and Mary Thomas, in Hayneville, Georgia (GA). He attended the Houston County School System. He met and married Lessie Robinson of Byron, GA in 1954. From this 26-year union came 5 children, Steven, Stan, Angela (Ann), Audrey and Brenda. Blake worked extremely hard to provide a life for his wife and two young sons. But in 1957 after receiving a call from his brother James that Washington, DC was full of opportunities, Blake packed his bags, leaving behind his family and headed to DC. In less than a year, Blake returned to GA to bring his wife and two boys to DC., the birthplace of his three daughters.

Blake pursued many jobs before landing a position with the DC Government, Department of Public Works. He excelled in his position as an automotive engineer because he could repair anything, a trait passed down from his father. Blake received numerous promotions and awards in this position and retired with 35 years of service. In addition to his government job, Blake started his own “home remodeling company”. Many remember Pop’s (as he was affectionately called) red truck with the home-made camper and hand-painted advertising on the side. And while Pops never became wealthy from this venture, he taught his children the value of hard work, the pride of being an entrepreneur and the importance of passing down a marketable skill from one generation to the next. Family was important to Pops. He raised his kids to know their family and their history. Pops took pride in his family and its rich heritage. He looked forward to celebrating this year’s 77th Thomas Family Reunion.

Later in life, Blake met and married Viola Durant in March 1981. Together they attended Grace Memorial Baptist church until she preceded him in death. Blake remained a steadfast member eventually becoming a Deacon. Blake loved his church and church family. He also loved getting dressed for church, donning his suit and the famous black hat. But his proudest moment on Sunday mornings was wearing his deacon badge on his suit jacket.

Pops always loved the outdoors - hunting, fishing and boating. When Pops became less mobile, he took pride in the simple pleasures, sitting on his porch, conversing with family and friends, watching Westerns and his beloved Redskins on TV. Pops loved God, lived life and enjoyed his family.

Sadly on April 23, 2020, Blake transitioned home to be with our Lord and Savior. His wife, Viola Thomas; parents, Henry and Mary Thomas; brothers, Melvin, Albert, Henry, Wesley, James, Chester and Benjamin; sisters, Mary, Louise, Josephine, Catherine, and Alice preceded him in death.

Blake leaves to cherish and honor his loving memory, his sons, Steven, and Stan; daughters, Ann (George),Audrey and Brenda (Anthony); sister, Vera; grandchildren, Maria (Gary), Jacinta, Carmelita (Jeremy),Stephanie, Valencia (Robert), Raquel and Avery; great-grandchildren, Gary Jr, Antonio, Robert Jr. and Viera; sisters-in-law Sara and Naomi; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.