Obituary of Marshall L. Thomas

Marshall Lewis Thomas passed away on December 3, 2016, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Rahway, NJ. Marshall was the first born son of Gladys Thomas and Shepherd O’Neil, born on October 15, 1941 in Atlanta, GA. After relocating to Newark, New Jersey with his mother and younger sibling, he attended Robert Treat Elementary School and Graduated from Central High School as one of the top students in his graduation class. After graduating high school in 1959, Marshall joined the United States Air Force where he performed his tours of duty in Idaho, Alaska and Okinawa Japan. He received a letter of commendation for his exemplary service to his country, and received an honorable discharge as an Airman First Class in 1964. He also worked as a court stenographer, a cab driver, and a corrections officer for the State of New Jersey until he transferred to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and retired from there in 2008 as an area supervisor. He was always referred to as a consciences worker, a respectable man, and an all-around nice guy. Marshall was previously a member of Faith Fellowship Ministries in Sayreville, NJ, where he served as an usher and deacon, and at Inpact Church (formerly The Tabernacle) in South Plainfield, NJ, and also served as an usher. Marshall was currently a member of Calvary Full Gospel Church in Fairless Hills Pennsylvania, where he served on the Communications Ministry, and participated in various Church events. Marshall was dedicated to spreading the gospel, and ministering and interceding for others. Marshall studied Judo when he was 19 and 20 years old, and became a 3rd degree brown belt. He loved to travel and took several excursions with his daughters, Nancy and Ada. He also like to attend the annual Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir shows in New York City, and many Christian plays at The Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Marshall loved baseball and never missed the World Series playoffs. Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Thomas of Voorhees, NJ and Shepherd O’Neil of Atlanta, Georgia; an aunt, Blanche Weaver, and uncle, William Kelly Jr. He is survived by his children - Nancy Thomas Rogers, Ada Rodriguez, and Ramon Rodriguez; Grandchildren - Regina Rogers, Victoria Jackson, Darnel Dillard, Yesenia Rodriguez, and Ramon Rodriguez Jr.; siblings - Ralph Thomas of Jacksonville North Carolina, Richard Thomas of Irvington New Jersey; Rahman Wadud of Waldorf, Maryland and Viola Douglas of Voorhees New Jersey. Marshall was also the proud uncle of Darrin and Karen Harris, Jayyiddah and Quinton Thomas, Majid Reese, Nadirah Thomas, Hannah Saleem, Richard M. Thomas Jr., Gregory Graham, Michele Graham, Samuel Douglas II (God son) and Taylor Douglas. He also considered many of Nancy’s friends as his “adopted daughters”. Marshall was previously married to Rosa G. Tena and Mable Golden Thomas. Marshall’s grand-daughter, Regina Rogers, diligently cared for him and provided for his needs with love and undying dedication during his final days. The family would like to thank family friends, Calvary Full Gospel Church members, and the hospital staff at Mt. Mary’s Hospital in Langhorne, PA, and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Rahway, NJ, for also providing support and care during his final days.