Lawrence Thomas

THOMAS, Mr. Lawrence E. – Age 54, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2010 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd. with funeral services commencing at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Marvin A. Jennings, Sr. officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 11:00 a.m. Thursday. Mr. Thomas will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and may be viewed from 12 noon-8 p.m. Wednesday. Mr. Lawrence E. Thomas was born on July 22, 1955 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Maxim Thomas and Jerlean Ryce. He relocated to Akron, Ohio in 1960 and attended Akron Public Schools. He graduated from John R. Buchtel High School in 1974 and was a member of the football, basketball and track teams. He was nicknamed “Lawn Mower” by his teammates and friends. After graduation, he enrolled at Ohio State University and played football under the legendary coach Woody Hayes. He graduated in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration. It was at Buchtel High School where he met the love of his life Joyce Anita Jones. Joyce and Lawrence were married on June 3, 1978 and to this union one child was born, Nicole A. Thomas. Nicole affectionately referred to Lawrence as “Father”. After relocating to Flint, Michigan, Lawrence worked at Pepsi, Hurley Hospital and the Flint Police Department. Lawrence was a member of Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church and was an avid sports fan. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 32 years, Joyce A. Thomas; loving daughter, Nicole A. Thomas of Southfield, MI; parents, Vernell and Jerlean Easter; father-in-law, Johnny J. Jones, Sr.; stepsister, Melvon (Kenny) Stokes, all of Akron, OH; 3 aunts, Future Sims of Carson, CA, Clara Ryce of Pine Bluff, AR and Arjetta (Emmitt) Thomas of Grady, AR; 2 uncles, Otis (Mary) Ryce of Akron, OH and Lynbird Thomas of Pine Bluff, AR; 3 sisters-in-law, Sandra Hairston of Flint, Jo Ann Jones of Detroit, MI and Pamela Jeter of N. Hollywood, CA; 4 brothers-in-law, Herman Hairston of Jackson, MS, Perry Miller of Flint, Johnathan Jones of Paducah, KY and Jason Jones of Akron, OH; niece, Antoinetta Hairston of New York, NY; 2 nephews, Edward Peat of Ypsilanti, MI and Antonio Hairston of Cleveland, OH; godsons, Shawn McClain and Trintine; goddaughter, A’Liyah Flynn; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mattie Ryce; mother-in-law, Jessica Miller-Forrest; cousins, Steven Allen and J.C. Smith and brother-in-law, Johnny J. Jones, Jr. The family wishes to express special thanks to Pastor Marvin A. Jennings, Sr. and the Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church family, Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home and Lloyd Mays.

Lawrence Thomas

July 22, 1955 - July 8, 2010