Mr. Elisha Thomas

Elisha graduated in 1958 from J. S. Clark High School in Opelousas, Louisiana. He was a proud and active alumnus and member of the J. S. Clark Alumni Association, which supports and provides scholarships to Clark graduates. He moved to Houston, Texas and attended Texas Southern University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering with honors.

Elisha enjoyed a forty-year career with Cameron Iron/Wyman Gordon until he retired. He previously worked as an educator at MB Smiley High School as a Vocational Instructor.

He married the love of his life, Rose Mary Watson, in 1964, and they were happily married for fifty- three years until her death in 2018. To this union three children were born: Christopher Karl, Brian Keith, and Chelsea Lynette.

Elisha was a patriarch of the family and everyone loved and respected him. He was definitely a family man. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and all of his family, near and far. He was also very outgoing and sociable, never meeting a stranger. He always had interesting conversations with everyone he met. He had so much wisdom to share. His home was always open to family and friends. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, watching western movies, and spending time with his J.S. Clark High School classmates.

Elisha attended Greater Jerusalem Baptist Church before he and his wife were baptized together into the body of Christ. He was a faithful member at Fifth Ward Church of Christ and enjoyed worshipping and supporting the work of the church until his death.

Elisha departed this life on Thursday, April 04, 2024, with his children by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose Mary Thomas; parents Mose Thomas and Emma Valiar Thomas; sisters Lillian Ruby Singleton and Dorothy Williams; brothers Theo Thomas, Eugene Thomas, and Lionel Thomas.

Elisha leaves to cherish his memory sons Christopher Thomas (Alfreda) and Brian Thomas (Ingrid); daughter Chelsea Hobson (Yan); brother James Thomas (Melva); sisters Valarie Thomas and Felecia Thomas; sisters in law Marion Dorsey, Wanda Watson, and Jackie Thomas; brother-in-law Fredrick Watson (Cordelia); six grandchildren: Brolin Thomas, Makayla Thomas, Paris Harper, Brycen Thomas, Ryan Hobson, and Rachel Hobson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day….

2 Timothy 4:7-8

A visitation for Elisha will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at Fifth Ward Church of Christ, 4308 Stonewall St, Houston, TX 77020 followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039 immediately following the burial.

Contributions in Elisha's memory may be made to JS Clark Leadership Academy, 1517 Statesman Road, Opelousas, Louisiana 70570 US, https://www.jsclarkcharter.com/apps/s/donations/quick.jsp; and Discovery Youth Foundation, https://www.discoveryyouthfoundation.org/payment-donation.