Celebration of Life Service for Anthony “AJ” Thomas
Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm
Greater Saint Peter AME Church
9540 Fayetteville Road
Jonesboro, GA 30238.
Viewing and visitation will be held
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
5:00pm to 7:00pm at
Dortch-Williamson Funeral & Cremation Services
1410 GA HWY-138, Riverdale, GA 30296.
Anthony “AJ” Thomas was born on August 9, 1953 in Detroit, MI. His parents Hannah and Aaron Thomas preceded him in death. Surrounded by family, AJ went to be with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, October 22, 2020.
AJ accepted Christ at an early age. He grew up attending church at the Apostolic Church of God in Christ in Detroit, MI. He attended Holly Grove AME Church and Flat Rock AME Church.
He met the love of his life Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas in 1986. They married in 1987 and created a blended family with two children.
AJ enjoyed the outdoors. As a Cub Scout he explored fishing and camping. He played neighbor league football for the Westside Cubs. He enjoyed comic books, movies, and music. But music became his passion as he enjoyed playing the Saxophone.
His love of music extended into adulthood. He enjoyed all genres of music. His enjoyment of music pushed him to attend numerous concerts and create his own Pandora Stations.
He attended Cass Tech High School and Wayne State University with a major in Business Administration/Marketing. His major in Business Administration/Marketing led to a lifelong career in retail management. He was a successful group merchandiser, assistant store manager, store manager and district manager for national chains including Sears, Montgomery Ward, Mervyns’ and Target. He traveled to several states opening and closing stores. His last retail assignment was with Target in Newnan where he planned, coordinated, staffed and opened the new store. After retirement he continued as an entrepreneur. He was the owner/manager of two UPS Stores one in Griffin and another in Jonesboro. He later sold the UPS Stores and opened Express Tax Business Services in Fairburn.
AJ enjoyed golf, travel, music, politics, poker, and Jeopardy. Most weekends were spent playing golf throughout the Canongate Golf system with golf buddies including Jim Brazelton, Bob Gibson, Waldo Brown, and Dr. William Solomon.
In addition to his wife of 33 years, AJ is survived by his two children Carmeletta Brent of Senoia, GA and Aaron (Kiki) Thomas of Ypsilanti, MI; brother Charles Thomas of Dothan AL; sister Gloria Thomas of Senoia, GA; brother- in- law Minister Jacque Peterman,Sr. of Montgomery, AL; and three grandchildren Alexis, Ananda, and Richard “RJ” Brent, Jr. as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Watkins Funeral Home-McDonough
96 South Zack Hinton Parkway
McDonough, Georgia 30253
678-884-5177
www.danawatkinsfuneralhome.com
Services will be streamed live through
Zoom
Meeting ID: 829 8131 5659
Passcode: 201010
*In an effort to be compliant with the CDC recommended
guidelines everyone entering the facility will be required to
wear a facecovering.
Charles and I met AJ at the Gala and knew he was a special man. Our hearts and prayers are with you. The Burks
Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family during this time and thereafter for all that is needed.
Sending my sincerest prayers and condolences to the family during this time. May the God of Peace provide it to you now and forever. Niya Eady
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Thomas and her family - knowing God will comfort them during this time. Love, Charlene Craig
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all family and friends...All love and warm thoughts. The Smith Family! I'll never forget the barbecuing just me and Uncle Anthony because it was raining. The great conversation and stories he told was awesome...and the great barbecuing tips that I will use forever.
Alvetta,
Sad news, but today will be a celebration of AJ's life, reminding us all of the joy and friendship AJ brought to everyone who crossed his path. I always enjoyed the time spent with AJ at many Atlanta Technical College events. He will be sorely missed. Linda and I send our heartfelt prayers for you and your family. Bill & Linda Pinto
"Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4. Dr. Thomas, the Heavenly Father and Mr. Thomas will forever dwell within you, continue to strengthen you, uphold you, and support you. You are and will continue to be protected by them both. May you feel swaddled in the immense support and tenderness from the uplifting prayers so many of us offer up, to comfort you and your family. - Maloof
"Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4. Dr. Thomas, the Heavenly Father and Mr. Thomas will forever dwell within you, continue to strengthen you, uphold you, and support you. You are and will continue to be protected by them both. May you feel swaddled in the immense support and tenderness from the uplifting prayers so many of us offer up, to comfort you and your family. - Maloof
The heart remembers most what it has loved the best. May your memories and the love of those around you and the love of God help you through the days ahead. Wishing you comfort in friendship and hope in prayer. My sincere condolences to you Alvetta. Much love Barbara Brown. 3
Our prayers and condolences are being sent your way during this time of bereavement and in the days to come. May the Lord continue to watch over the family and keep everyone nestled in His loving arms. Lean on God and trust in Him for strength you will surely find when needed. Love always Kathlyn Strozier, Eula Redding and family. (SCTC)
We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AJ, affectionately known as papa Anthony to my kids. I remember the first time papa Anthony met my daughter he dubbed her the pink lady. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Anton, Collin, Addison (Pink Lady), and Aiden
With deepest sympathy for your loss. May the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you help support you and your family at this difficult time. May God's word bring you much comfort. Samantha Willis
My most sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you in this dark hour Darrell Wilson.
My most sincerest condolences. I pray for your healing in this dark hour.
My deepest sympathies to Dr Thomas and her family. May God keep you in his grace. .
AJ you will never be forgotten! The friendships that you helped foster continue to unite people and give us comfort especially in these isolating times. I will cherish our "lets meet on the putting practice green at WWC." It wasn't about the golf but about sharing life stories and laughing together. Rest in peace my friend and God bless your family through their grief at this trying time. Eddie Harris, MD
We extend to Alvetta and the family our deepest sympathy. May Alvetta, AJ's dearly beloved wife and the members of his grief-stricken family find solace in the inspiring memories of AJ's exemplary life. Grace and I share in your grief.
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 Lamon and Grace
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Thomas, I know he was a man that was well loved. May each of you feel the peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit in the days ahead. Dr. Thomas, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Psalm 147:3. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Robin Swain, SCTC Student Affairs
My family and I have Dr. Thomas and her family in our thoughts and prayers even as we celebrate the life of Mr. Thomas. Joseph Stancliff, SCTC
Lifting up prayers that God will continue to comfort the family and friends of Mr. Thomas with sweet memories of his kinds words and joyful spirit. Keeping Dr. Thomas close in my thoughts and prayers~ Janelle Burns, SCTC Foundation
As the days continue to pass, may you find comfort and support in the people and memories that surround you. Sending comforting prayers your way during this difficult time.
I did not have the pleasure to know him, his wife is the president of my college .I know they had a special and loving relationship and children they loved. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to their family and friends.
The loss of a loved one is never easy, especially a husband and father. Remember the good and happy times, they will bring you comfort in the days to come. I, too lost my father 3 years ago. I can honestly say, they will help. Also, he was a believer and I am certain he is with Him now....a life without the discomforts of this earth.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you navigate the new normal you find yourselves in. Katie Dallas
May the blessing of the Lord be with you. It was a blessing and an honor to serve your husband love Dale and Dr. Cleveland
To my Atlanta Family (My "Forever" Friend-Alvetta), Know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal! Praying for strength and comfort!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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