Family Tributes My grandma Pat was a soft, warm, lovable light. She was as bold with her thoughts as the love she put into her cooking. When she surprised me by flying to Atlanta to be with us for the birth of her first great-grandchild, Cameron, I was in tears and speechless. Now that God has called her home, I am left in the same fashion. However, she will continue to live and shine through all of us. I pray she knows how much she was loved and how much of a light she was. I love you grandma, rest easy Beloved.
London
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8, KJV
Grandma,words cannot express how hard it is to actually process that you will not be here with us anymore. I will always remember those weekends we spent over your house and you made us Malt-O-Meal. I remember you gave each of us our very own special bowl. I will always remember how you wouldn’t pull out of the driveway until DT and I had a movie to watch in that green van. I will always remember how your house smelled so sweet— especially around the holidays. Grandma, I loved those cookies, but I love you so much more. I think my only peace in knowing that you are gone is understanding that you were a true angel and God has already welcomed you home. I will miss you and I will always carry you with me. Rest now, Grandma Pat.
Delmonica
Sister, it broke our hearts to lose you. In life we loved you dearly. You were always there for us. You made sure we were okay. Your sweet personality will surely be missed. You touched so many people outside of your family. Our very precious sister, it’s love that binds our hearts. Your laughter and your beautiful smile always had that sparkle. You were a wonderful kind sister with a heart of gold. We are so grateful to God for the years and the closeness we shared. We have so many beautiful memories. Sister is Pat!!!
Brenda
She was the first person to see me as I came into this world and from that point on our bond was special. It is so hard to write this because I never imagined my life without my aunt Pat. But as the tears stream down my face, I realize I never have to live without her because she is always in my heart. She inspired me more than she probably will ever know. Her grace, her style, her consistent character of elegance taught me to carry myself in the way I wanted others to receive me. When we saw her, we always saw class and confidence. She knew who she was and Whose she was. She taught me the importance of education and encouraged me to travel and experience the world every chance I got. Even now, I will teach my children the same. I felt just as close to Pat as her own children and just as loved. Her love and laughter will be with me always although she is absent from the body but present with the Lord. I will miss her until we meet again.
Ashanti
Obituary
Patricia Anne Thomas was born to Archie & Leonia Rice on February 19, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was affectionately known as “Pat”. She will be most remembered as a Christian woman of class, elegance and grace. She accepted Jesus Christ as Lord at a young age and represented Him throughout her life in both word and deed. For nearly four decades, she served as a faithful member of the Monumental Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the February Club, and a member of the Prayer Band Ministry and Life Skills Ministry. God blessed Pat with a brilliant mind, which she used to make an indelible mark on the world! In 1969, she received her high school diploma from Mitchell High School, where she participated in Future Homemakers of America, Future Teachers of America, the Student Council, and the Drama Club. After high school, she completed IBM Stenography training at Draughon’s Business College in 1972 and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology Communication from Southwest Tennessee Community College in 2004 with cum laude distinction. She loved spending time with her family, preparing delicious meals, traveling, and enjoying both classic and contemporary jazz. Pat went home to be with her Heavenly Father on November 18, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents: Archie L. Rice, Sr., and Leonia M. Rice; her grandparents: James and Louise Leftwitch; one niece, Arhonda D. Rice; and her inlaws, John & Lorene Thomas. To celebrate her loving legacy, she leaves her devoted husband, James Albert Thomas; two sons: Monquet Thomas (Shay) and Torris Thomas (Deidre); six siblings: Archie L. Rice, Brenda L. Howard (Isaac), Anita J. Wright (Willie), Donna M. Rice, Lawnette R. Brown, and George Harris; five grandchildren: London Thomas, Dominique Thomas, Delmonica Thomas, Don’Tarrius Thomas, and Jeryl McCollins; two greatgrandchildren: Cameron Thomas and Jayden McCollins; and a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish her legacy forever.
Order of Service
Procession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Patricia “Pat” Thomas Scripture & Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Deacons of Monumental Baptist Church Musical Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . .“Amazing Grace”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trudy Hunter
Remembering Pat… (Reflections of a Life Well-Lived) Lenora Harring Marilyn Johnson James Bolden Nicholas Newson Stella James Shay Thomas Musical Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”He Knows”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trudy Hunter Expressions from the Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Torris Thomas, Son Words of Comfort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minister Cedric Gray ~ Silent Reading of the Obituary ~ The Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Wade C. Bryant Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Family of Patricia “Pat” Thomas
Acknowledgment
To us, Pat was a special gift...a rare and precious treasure Her loving ways enriched our lives and blessed us beyond measure. Although we’ll miss her awesome smile, her tender love and care, Our hearts somehow find comfort through your presence, thoughts & prayers. We are grateful for the many acts of love that have been extended to us during this time, and we pray that God will bless you abundantly. ~The Family of Patricia Anne Thomas ~
Jordan Hayes Don’Tarrius Thomas
Active Pallbearers
Jeryl McCollins Jacquez Parker
Justin Gilliam Jauffi Parker
Jaylon Gilliam Michaela Brown
Honorary Pallbearers
Torris Thomas Corey Rice
Monquet Thomas Archie L. Rice, Jr.
Derrian Rice George Harris
Interment
New Park Cemetery 4536 Horn Lake Road s Memphis, TN 38109
Services Entrusted To
E. H. Ford Mortuary 3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard s Memphis, TN 38116 Program Design by Precious Memories Graphics & More, (901) 257-9124.