Dr. Claudie J. Thomas
Published 5:34 pm Wednesday, July 2, 2014
FRANKLIN—On Thursday, June 26, 2014, Dr. Claudie Jessie “CJ” Thomas departed this life for a better home. He was 65 years old.
Claudie J. Thomas
Dr. Thomas was born in Franklin, on July 28, 1948, to the late Hazel Davola and Claudie R. Thomas. He joined First Baptist Church in Franklin at an early age and was active in several youth ministries. In later years, his love of music led him to First Baptist Church, Bute Street in Norfolk, where he became an active member of the Chancel Choir.
Dr. Thomas had persevered successfully surviving over 30 years of dialysis treatments and had led an active and healthy lifestyle. At the time of his passing, he was employed as an associate professor in the school of social work at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Thomas received his doctorate degree in social work from Norfolk State University in Norfolk in 2003. He attended Clark Atlanta University where he received his master’s degree in social work, and from Hampton University he received his bachelor’s degree in sociology. His interest in health and public health, particularly in the African-American community, afforded him the opportunity to teach and share his knowledge with others at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware and as an adjunct professor at the Ethelyn B. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University. Dr. Thomas also worked as a researcher at the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.
Left to cherish his memory are sisters, Nelda T. Bellamy (William), Rosemary Gray, both of Franklin, and a special sister, Thelma Rich of Baltimore; two brothers, Stanley Hackett (Mary) of Columbia, Maryland, and Monty C. Hackett (Jean) of Franklin; cousin, Carolyn Baker of Norfolk; nieces, nephews, devoted co-workers and friends. He also leaves behind a special friend, Rodney Shell of Baltimore.
The funeral for Dr. Thomas will take place in Franklin on Saturday, July 5, at noon in First Baptist Church, 318 Hall St., with the Rev. D.S. Riddick II, pastor, delivering the eulogy.
The memorial service will take place on the campus of Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, in the Memorial Chapel on Monday, July 7, at 11 a.m.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Elvin Vaughan Funeral Home, Franklin.