Mary J. Thomas, 90, a resident of Berlin, Connecticut transitioned on Thursday, September 20, 2018 in her home surrounded by her family. She was the eighth of nine children born to the late Reverend William S. and Areta (Green) Guiles in Pamplico, South Carolina.

Mother Thomas received her early education in the Florence, South Carolina school system. Following her graduation from Wilson High School, she attended the Garner’s School of Beauty Culture in Sumter, South Carolina receiving certification in Cosmetology.

Sis. Mary migrated to Connecticut in 1950. In 1954, she married Rev John H. Thomas. She was employed by North & Judd Manufacturing for several years. She was later employed by Southern New England Telephone Company from 1975 to 1990 at which time she retired.

In 2004, Suffragan Bishop John Thomas & Sis. Mary Thomas celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. In March 2010, her beloved husband of 56 years went home to be with the Lord.

During her early years, Mother Thomas was a member of Mill Branch African Methodist Church in Pamplico, SC. In 1958, she was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost at the Bethesda Apostolic Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. John P. Shaw. In 1982, when her husband, Elder John H. Thomas, assumed the Pastorate of Bethesda Apostolic Church she became First Lady and carried this role with dignity and grace until she was designated Mother of the Church in 2010. Sis. Mary remained a very active member of Bethesda until the time of her passing, serving in many capacities.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her eight children: three sons, Marvin (Genet) James of Warner Robins, GA; John (Michelle) Thomas and Jeffrey Thomas, both of New Britain, CT; five daughters, Annette (Gerral) Brown of Newnan, GA; Teresa Trusty and Susan (Dale) Shaw both of New Britain, CT, Deborah (Rudy) DaCosta of Hartford, CT, Glenda (Lee) Williams of Bloomfield, CT, a sister-in-law, Susie B. West; twenty grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and longtime devoted friends, Deacon James D. McCoy, Pastor Elizabeth McCoy and Rev. Nannie Lampkin and her loving Bethesda Apostolic Church family and numerous friends. In addition to her husband – Suffragan Bishop John H. Thomas, she was predeceased by six brothers; Taft, Alexander, Reese, Hureta, Samuel, Earl; three sisters, Lessie, Julia, Kay Bertha and grandson, Jordan C. Thomas.