Mr. Clarence Richard Thomas

In Loving Memory of Clarence R. Thomas January 26, 1939 - October 9, 2017 Clarence Richard Thomas was born on January 26, 1939 to Mr. Clarence Moore and Miss Opal Thomas in Chicago, Illinois. Clarence Richard Thomas (endearingly called Richard) and Ms. Opal, later moved to Mound Bayou, Mississippi where she met and married Mr. Alfonzo Collins, a wonderful man who loved and raised Richard as his very own child along with the couple’s eight other children—both his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, along with his two brothers, precedes Richard in death. Richard dearly loved his brothers and sisters: Leon, Carol, Mollie, Alfonzo, James, Regina, Marion, and Elbert. He also loved his beloved hometown of Mound Bayou, Mississippi where he graduated from the town’s high school, and met and married Miss Altie Britton in 1961. The young couple later moved to Detroit, Michigan during the Christmas holiday season of 1963, together having seven beautiful children: Marrian Cassandra, Neviska Derizale (deceased), Cheverlin Evetta, Renodel Ferzale (deceased), Alex Corwin, Twonder Vertale and Dongernerial. Also, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas loved, adopted and raised Altie’s niece, Jeanette Yvonne Gill as their very own child. Additionally, Richard is blessed with over 30 grand and great-grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends. Clarence Richard Thomas began working at Chrysler’s Jefferson Assembly plant in 1964 as a skilled Welder, after 30 plus years of dedicated service with the automobile manufacturing company, he retired—Richard was a proud member of the UAW. He loved fishing, and was an avid sports fan (his favorite sports team was the Chicago bears); Clarence also enjoyed sightseeing, casinos and watching horseracing. Clarence Richard Thomas met and befriended Maggie Patton in 1991 and celebrated many years together with her in a supportive, committed, and endearing relationship, loving Ms. Patton and her children: Beverly, Dave and, Schylonda as his very own family. Our beloved Clarence Richard Thomas truly will be missed— Richard was loved, admired and respected by everyone who knew him. Our Lord Jesus Christ welcomed Clarence Richard Thomas home on Monday, October 9, 2017 to spend eternity with HIM, so he lives forever!