Geraldine Reed Thomas

Geraldine Reed - Thomas was born January 23, 1937, in Marshall Texas to Normie (Fisher) and Pinkney (Pink) Reed. As a little girl, her family moved to the Piney Grove community outside of Marshall, Texas. There she became a member of the historic Piney Grove Baptist Church. During her time as a child and young adult, Geraldine learned many amazing skills including cooking and sewing from her mother Normie, and the other  mothers of the community. She was also a three-sport athlete. Taking advantage of her athletic, lean, but strong body by playing volleyball, basketball, and running track.

Geraldine was a regular honor roll student while in elementary school and high school. She received special honors in college. She excelled in her studies both in high school and as an undergrad in college, becoming a graduate of Pemberton High School in 1956, and Bishop College in 1960. She would go on to pass her strong beliefs in education to her children and grandchildren. 

Geraldine moved to Dallas Texas in 1961 where she met her husband, James Thomas also from Marshall, Texas, and they were married in 1962. Geraldine pursued a career in the medical and dental fields where she became the first black employee of Baylor Dental in Dallas, Texas. Upon moving back to Marshall, Texas, Geraldine spent years leading the family’s farming business before returning to her love of education; later retiring as an elementary school teacher’s aide in the Harrison County education system. 

Geraldine was a devoted Christian and spent her time walking the path of her calling, as a servant of God and caregiver in her community. While she was most recently a member of New Beginnings Church, she was also a lifetime member of Piney Grove Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas. While in Dallas, Texas, she became one of the first members of the Greater Mount Hebron Bible Church in Oak Cliff. She served in the choir and as an active usher and church member in all four of those congregations. She regularly tended to the sick and shut-in and was known for her caregiving in the community. 

Geraldine is known for her sweet voice, kind heart, and Christian disposition. Whether in a grocery store, hospital, front yard or your home, it didn’t matter if you were a stranger, friend, or family member. If she knew there was a need, she would stop on the spot and pray for you. 

Geraldine is survived by her two sisters: Freda and Murlene. She is also survived by her brothers Bobby, Billy, and Sherman.

Geraldine is survived by four children: Lenford, Troy, James Archer, and Brenda (stepdaughter), her two daughters-in-law: Erika Mitchell-Thomas and Ashley Wiley. Her grandchildren; Troy Ava, Layla, Khloie, Eumekia, Corey, Valarrin, Benjamin, and Larry Jr. She is also survived by twenty-wo Great Grand Children; Alize’, Jabari, Dominique, Corey Jr, Mariah, Elijah, Latreal, Tranecia, Elijah, Zihir, Daijurnee, Kadence, Jelaia, Kyndin, Italy, Sevyn, Azericca, Azimentaye, Azariah, Aiziah (Sam), Avelyn, and Avery. 

Preceding Geraldine in her homecoming are: her parents, Pink and Normie; her husband, James; her stepdaughter, Evelyn; her brothers, Roy and Jesse; and her great-granddaughter Lashay. 

Geraldine will be remembered as a wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Church Mother, Sister, loyal friend, and caregiver to many. Marshall, Texas, as well as the Piney Grove and Gill communities will miss her dearly. 

She is with our Lord.

Funeral Service for Geraldine Reed Thomas will be held 3:30 PM,  Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 501 Indian Springs Road, Marshall, Texas 75670. Wake 6:30 PM-8:30 PM, Friday, May 5, 2023 at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 3280 Boards Ferry Road, Marshall, Texas 75672. Interment Liberty Cemetery Marshall, Texas

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