Maper Thomas

Mrs. Maper Thomas, 68 of Lilburn, GA formerly of Chicago died Monday, January 16, 2012. She was the daughter of the late James C. Aldridge, Sr. and Martha Patterson and had been a longtime Chicago resident before moving to Georgia to reside with her children. Mrs. Thomas was a retired Cosmetologist and longtime State of Illinois Caregiver. Mrs. Thomas gave her life to Christ at early age under the leadership of the late Elder L.T . Hutton of Holy Ghost Deliverance Center COGIC in East Chicago Heights, Illinois. She loved sharing the word as a Missionary on the frontline in the battle for bringing souls to Christ! She loved to reach outside the four walls within and confines of church houses and minister to the lost and broken hearted. You could find Mrs. Thomas and Mother Evans most times on Saturday mornings in street ministry on the corner of 11th Place in Ford Heights, Illinois. Mrs. Thomas was a graduate of Debbie’s School of Cosmetolgy, in Harvey, Illinois. She went on to become a licensed certified cosmetologist opening her own shop on Lincoln Highway, Chicago Heights, Illinois. Mrs. Thomas completed her education for cosmetology while continuing to work for the state of Illinois Elizabeth Ludeman in Park Forest, Illinois, before she retired. It was not uncommon for her to open her home to those in need young and old. She also was a foster parent for the Good Shephard foster services.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband of greater than 40 years, Eugene Thomas, Sr (January 15, 1997); one son John W. Thomas (1989). She leaves to cherish and carry on her legacy her family, friends, colleagues, and fellow laborers in the Lord four daughters and son-in-law, Dr. Theresa (Michael), Calhoun, Madison, AL, Martha Wiley, Lilburn, GA, Annatte Thomas (Ricky) Brownlee, Buford, GA, Angela F. Thomas, Lilburn, GA; Five sons and daughters-in-law, Eugene (Gail) Thomas, Jr., Larry Thomas, Lilburn, GA, Ivan Wayne (Diane) Thomas, Clarksville, TN, Donald M. Thomas, Chicago Heights, IL, Langelo Joesph (Patricia) Thomas, Lawrenceville, GA; and two sisters, Janet James, Aurora, IL, Maeola James, Gary, IN; and two brother, Frank James of Osceola, AR; J.W. James of St. Louis; a very special lady who was a mother to Maper, Versie Aldridge of Blytheville, AR. and her children, Barbara (James) Wells, Irene Aldridge, Geneva (Freeman) Harris, Sherry (John) Prunty, James (Runree) Aldridge, Jr., Donna McCray, Denise (Ardell) Strawther, Pennie (Stanley) Sims, Lamon (Toria) Aldridge, all of Blytheville, Arkansas and Roderick (Betty) Aldridge of little Rock, Arkansas; 22 grandchildren, Lynezz Eugene Patterson, Allen Patterson, Phalen Patterson, Tina (Luther) Quinn, Tyrone (Tammy) Reeves, Amanda Reynolds, Larry Thomas (JR), Ja'misha Brock , Briggail G. Thomas, McKeela Thomas, Ghedejau Gray, Omarriah Johnson, Briana Wiley, Howard Weatherspoon, Miesha Thomas, Jha'ishatriyahi Gray, Monique Wiley, Lanisha Thomas, Jasmyn Thomas, Dujoure Brownlee, Jeremyah Anderson, Ricky Brownlee; and five great-grandchildren; and a special cousin Mrs White of Blytheville, Arkansas; two very close friends Mother Rose Barker and Pastor Barbara Scott and host of others relative and friends. The family will receive visitors from 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2012 at Eternal Hills Funeral Home and Cremation in Snellville, Georgia with funeral services Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 10 am - Noon at Eternal Hills Funeral Home. Mrs. Thomas visitation in Chicago is Monday, January 23, 10-11 a.m. at Greater New Hope COGIC at 83 East 15th street, Chicago Heights, Illinois. Funeral services will begin at 11am at Greater New Hope COGIC, officiated by Pastor Barbara Scott at Greater New Hope COGIC with burial in Washington Memorial Cemetery Lynwood, Illinois immediately following.