THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 4, 1995 TAG: 9507040343
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: BOYKINS LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
The Rev. Jefferson Cotton Thomas, 90, a resident of Boykins, died Sunday, July 2, 1995, at Louise Obici Memorial Hospital, Suffolk.
Born in Lewiston, N.C., on Nov. 5, 1904, Rev. Thomas was son of the late Henry and Sallie Thomas. A respected religious, business and community leader, he founded Mount Olive Risen Church of God, Boykins, and served as pastor of the church for over 20 years. Rev. Thomas was an outstanding citizen of the Southampton County community, a leader of people and a sincere contributor to the welfare of the area.
During his lifetime, Rev. Thomas served as a pastor, a dealer in scrap metal and used auto parts, and as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. In 1928, he began an association with H.M. Purviance Jr. of Purivance Funeral Home, Boykins, which lasted over 40 years.
He was husband of the late Emma Inez Boone Thomas. He leaves to cherish his memory four foster children, Valery Hurley, John Henry Thomas, Brenda Thomas and Phyllis Thomas Mitchell; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A funeral service will be held in Shiloh Baptist Church, Boykins, on Saturday, July 8, 1995, at noon. The family will receive friends at the church Saturday from 11 a.m. until the hour of the service. Purviance Funeral Home, Boykins Chapel, is handling arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB