Thomas E. Whitson Jr.

Thomas E. Whitson, Jr. was born July 20, 1944 in Los Angeles, CA to the beautiful union of Thomas and Pearlie Whitson. Thomas was the eldest of six children born into this union. He later moved with his parents, Thomas and Pearlie to Shreveport, LA. At the encouragement of his parents and grandparents, Thomas was brought up in the church from the time he was a young child and accepted Christ at an early age.

   Thomas attended schools in Caddo Parish, including Stoner Hill Elementary, J. S. Clark Junior High School and graduated high school from Notre Dame High School, where he excelled in music as a trumpet player. Upon graduating high school, Thomas attended Southern University, A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. While attending Southern University, he utilized his musical excellence as a member of the world renowned Southern University “Marching 100” University Band as a trumpet player.

   Thomas was joined in Holy Matrimony to Claudette and to this union was born a daughter, Daphne Sherelle Whitson who preceded him in death.

   Upon graduating from Southern University, Thomas accepted a position in New Orleans, LA where he taught at McDonough #35 before accepting recruitment to teach in Las Vegas, NV. Thomas and Claudette decided to make the move to Las Vegas with their young daughter in a VW Beetle with essential belongings packed in a U-Haul trailer hitched to the VW Beetle. They were bound for Las Vegas where Thomas began an exemplary 34 year career in education with the Clark County School District. During those years, Thomas attended University of Nevada, Las Vegas to further his education and graduated with a Master of Education.

   During his career with the Clark County School District, Thomas enjoyed his assignments and work at several elementary, middle, and high schools as teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal. Shortly after moving to Las Vegas, Thomas and his family began attending Zion United Methodist Church. Thomas joined Zion United Methodist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Marion D. Bennett, Sr. and became a dedicated and committed member of the Zion Men’s Choir. He had a great love for his church family and missed attending and participating during his illnesses.

   Thomas battled three cancers during his life’s journey and he fought a courageous fight. Thomas was called home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Pearlie Whitson, sister Bernice Whitson, and grandmother Everlener Hall Harris.

   Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Claudette Whitson, three loving grandchildren, Taylor O’Neal (Evan) Armstrong of San Diego, CA, Roderick Thomas Tobias O’Neal of Kent, WA, and Taryn Kai Toomer of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Alex Whitson of Shreveport, LA; sisters, Alzada Jackson of Grand Prairie, TX, Evelyn Whitson Phillips of Shreveport, LA, Estella Evans of Woodbridge, VA; one uncle, Henderson Harris of Los Angeles, CA; sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Brown of Sacramento, CA, Evelyn Marie Parks of St. Louis, MO, Eddie Virginia May of Baton Rouge, LA, Shirley Ann Augurson (Lawrence) of Grand Prairie, TX; brother-in-law Delmus Haynes (Varella) of Chicago, IL, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on June 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on June 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, US, on June 6, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.