Shirley A. Thomas

Shirley Artilla Thomas departed this earth to be with her Heavenly Father shortly before midnight while at home on Sunday, March 13, 2011.    Sister Thomas began her earthly life on May 1, 1935 in Milledgeville, Georgia.  She was one of fourteen children (8 girls and 6 boys) the Lord blessed to the union of Arthur and Myrtle Dixon.  Her parents and siblings preceded her in death.    She received her education at Eddie High School in Milledgeville, Georgia where she lived until she came to Kenosha, Wisconsin due to her engagement to her darling husband, the late Rev. George Thomas.  She and Pastor George married in March, 1957 and they became the parents of five sons.  Prior to her marriage, she was a member of the Baptist denomination, but after her marriage she moved to the African Methodist Episcopal denomination.  She thoroughly enjoyed serving along side her husband as he pastored in the AME Church for over 33 years.  This included his pastoral appointments to Wayman AME in Delavan, Coleman Chapel AME in Kenosha, and St. Paul AME in Madison.  She had her own very unique style of service to the Lord and to the local church where her husband was appointed.    Sis. Thomas was richly blessed with a wide range of gifts and talents.  She and her husband served as foster parents to 27 children over 30 years.  She crafted countless ceramics and floral arrangements which she joyfully shared with her family and friends.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing, developing church programs and being a Life Member of the AME Women's Missionary Society, but at the top of the list was her enjoyment of being a wife and mom to her sons.   Sister Thomas is survived by her five sons:  Tobin (Bridget), Torin (Kim), Nick, Justice and Joey; 20 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Roland, sisters-in-law Beaurena and Helen, many cousins, nieces, nephews.   Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 18 at St. Paul AME Church, 4525 Diamond Drive, where friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.  Pastor Thomas Flint will officiate.   A Memorial Service will be in Kenosha at Coleman Chapel AME Church, 4111-30th Avenue on Saturday, March 19 at 9:30 a.m. where friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.  Pastor Janice Cummings will officiate.  Interment to follow at Greenridge Cemetery.      A special thank you to the wonderful people of HospiceCare, Inc. who diligently served Sis. Thomas with great tenderness and care                                                                                                                              Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Avenue (608) 249-6666