In Memory
M. Lucille Thomas
April 9, 1937 ~ July 23, 2024 (age 87)
Melvina Lucille Thomas was born April 9, 1937, to the union of David and Dora (Ballentine) Thomas, both deceased, in South Bend, IN. She peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Sanctuary for Holy Cross in South Bend, IN.
She attended Oliver, Elder, Franklin, and Linden Elementary Schools, all in South Bend. She's a 1955 graduate of Central High School and attended IUSB for 1.5 years.
Lucille was employed by Neumode Hosiery Company, and she was the first African American employed by that company. She served one year as store manager. She worked for St. Mary's College, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and her home church, Olivet A.M.E. Church, where she served as the Church Secretary until April 1, 2018, when her health would no longer allow.
Lucille joined Olivet A.M.E. Church as a teenager and has been a faithful member ever since. She was a member of the Junior Choir, Junior Usher Board, Sunday School, and the Allen Christian Endeavor League. As an adult, she taught Sunday School, was a part of the Missionary Society, and served as the YPD (Young People's Division of the Missionary Society) Director for many years. She was so proud to be included in the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Olivet A.M.E. Church in 2022, where she was honored as the oldest living member of the church.
Lucille was known throughout the city of South Bend for doing poetry readings, both in church and at other special events. Her melodic speaking voice will be missed!
Lucille’s final season in life took place at the Sanctuary at Holy Cross, where she spent her last 6 years. There, she developed many new friendships among the residents and staff. Everyone knew Lucille by her smile and upbeat personality (the joy of the Lord was her strength), and her jazzy style of dress. Her nails were always painted, and she ALWAYS wore jewelry!
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Karen Ann Brown, Ethel Mae Milton, Juanita Thomas, David Thomas, Jr., Evelyne Alford, Albert Russell Thomas; Sister-in-Law Annie Ruth Thomas, Brother-in-Law Clyde Alford, nephew Michael Thomas, and life-long friend John Charles Bryant.
She leaves to cherish her memory, nieces Stephanie Thomas, Julia Beth Thomas, Leslie Alford; nephews Lamar Thomas, Steve Thomas, Greg Thomas, Christopher Alford, and Kevin Thomas; and special life-long friend, Irene Miller Green
08/19/2024 EJS
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