“Allow the light and the healing presence of Christ to shine brightly through your lives. In that way, all those who come in contact with you will discover the loving kindness of God.” — St. Pope John Paul II.
Minnie C. Thomas quietly passed away in the very early hours of Friday, February 14, 2025. She was born on November 24, 1926, in Halifax County, North Carolina, and was a graduate of Brawley High School in 1944. Minnie graduated from Virginia Union University with a bachelor’s degree in history and went on to earn an M.A. degree in Guidance and Counseling from Hampton University.
A faithful and devoted member of the Basilica of Saint Mary Catholic Church, she ministered in various ways beginning as a Lector and culminating as Pastoral Assistant during the pastorate of Monsignor Walter C. Barrett.
She embodied the qualities of unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity. Although she could be strong-willed and stubborn at times, she was fearlessly independent, yet sensitive and compassionate.
As a woman of faith, Minnie chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, which Christ has modeled for us. She did what she could when she could for others. Sometime in 1979-80, Bishop Walter Sullivan submitted her name to the Pope to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal (“For Church and Pope” in Latin), a decoration of the Holy See. It is currently conferred for distinguished service to the Catholic Church by lay people and clergy. It still hangs on her wall.
Minnie is preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane Tann, and son, Calvin Thomas, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory: grandchildren Candice M. Thomas and Calvin Thomas, III and a host of cousins, especially Claresa Waller. There are others who were special in her life, including Tony Spratley, Kevin Jones, Randi Livingston, Dora Livingston, Margaret Winston, Tom Bomar, Linda and Garry Cooke, Al Foreman, and Ronda Fraizer.
One of Minnie’s wishes for scripture to be read at her funeral is 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”
Minnie, you have indeed lived and kept the faith. Amen.
Condolences(11)-
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Betty Louise Clark says
February 15, 2025 at 4:41 pmI love you Mrs. Minnie, you will always be my shero. You touched my life and so many others. I will miss that laugh, your strong spirit of life and your dedication to be a help to others. Take your rest my dear sweet Minnie Thomas
Carolyn, Deborah, Kathy McEachin says
February 15, 2025 at 8:57 pmWe’re going to miss you Mama Minnie, we have known you for most of our lives, Your memory will always stay with us. Rest in Peace and we will see you on the other side. With Love, The McEachin Girls
Janet Reid says
February 16, 2025 at 11:05 amMinnie you had a sweet personality. You were easy to be around. May your soul rest in God’s peace. Love Janet
Labarbara Cuffee says
February 17, 2025 at 12:49 pmWill miss you my special lady. Always a blessing in my life. Thanks for the great memories.
Kenneth Powell says
February 17, 2025 at 12:58 pmMy Sincere Condolences to the Family and Friends of Mrs. Minnie Thomas. RIH my Amazing Friend and Awesome School Teacher of Life. I will never ever forget you. You were a special inspiration to me and my Brother Jay Powell Love You from your Fellow Church Member Kenneth Powell.See you Again One Day.
Bernadette “Bunny” Jones Reed says
February 17, 2025 at 7:10 pmI am sorry to her of Ms Minnie’s passing. She was a beacon of light in my life for always giving a word of encouragement and helping where she could. One year, my husband and I grappled with childcare for our youngest child over the summer. Ms. Minnie helped us get our daughter in to the YMCA in Norfolk. I know her would is resting with our Maker. I endeavor to live a life like her.
Christine Newby says
February 18, 2025 at 1:18 pmMs Min nie, she was special to me & my husband. Always wearing a smile. My Condolences to the family. RIHP Ms Minnie.
Hon. Alveta V. Green says
February 18, 2025 at 4:54 pmSometime after Vatican II led to lay people taking more active roles in the Catholic Church, Minnie was among the first Lectors at St. Mary’s 8A.M. Mass. She recruited me to become a Lector at that Mass, which my family attended. She instructed me on qualities of a good Lector. She was also fellow educator in Norfolk Public Schools and a friend with a pleasant personality. She is probably In the ANGEL’S Lectors Ministry in heaven. Read ON MINNIE ! Miss you my friend and thanks for the memories.
Marilyn Spriggs (vet) says
February 21, 2025 at 6:27 amMs Thomas was our neighbor all of my childhood life ,and I remember her lil dog name sport, Ms Thomas was a great and quite neighbor ,I would always see her in school when I was a child ,she always had a beautiful smile ,truly will be missed,
Elder Veronica J Martin says
February 18, 2025 at 7:30 pmAunt Minnie when you reached the city and saw our Master’s face, I can only imagine the smile on your face. You made my life as a child secured, as a young adult promising, and as a grandmother and care giver rewarding. Thank you Aunt Minnie I will never forget your love for the Thompson Family. Elder Veronica J & Deacon Micah A Martin.
Marilyn Spriggs (vet) says
February 21, 2025 at 6:26 amMs Thomas was our neighbor all of my childhood life ,and I remember her lil dog name sport, Ms Thomas was a great and quite neighbor ,I would always see her in school when I was a child ,she always had a beautiful smile ,truly will be missed,