Bishop William H. Thomas

Bishop William H. Thomas, age 69, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2013 in the comfort and dignity of his home with his family by his side. Now that he is absent from his body, he is present within the Lord. Born in Buffalo on November 20, 1943, William was the son of the late Willie and Ida Mae (Lee) Thomas. He was raised and educated in Buffalo and then relocated to the Albany area with his family. He first worked at the Albany Medical College in the Research Department for many years. Along with his brother, Herman, and longtime family friend Joseph Barry, he operated WHB Janitorial Services in Albany. On May 22, 1965 he married the former Mary Ernestine Wicks who passed away on January 20, 2011. God brought William and Mary to each other and it was their mutual faith and trust that sustained their bond throughout 47 years of marriage. Also, he and his wife owned and operated a Laundromat on Madison Ave. in Albany. When he moved to Utica in 1975, he accepted a position at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center where he was Director of Environmental Services. While working for the State of New York, he became the first African-American head of Environment Services at the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center which employed over 130 people. He then held a position in the International Executive Housekeeping Association, Northeast Chapter and continued to teach others his skills. He also held several different positions within the chapter and held the title of President in the late 1990’s. He was a member of the Civil Service Employees Association. A dignified man, prideful in his work, he instilled the same values in his family. William, along with his wife, Mary, was the founder of Christ Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in 1975. He served his faith community as Reverend from July 13, 1974 and District Elder from May 18, 1997, and was later on September 7, 1999 was elevated to Bishop. He gave sermons and taught the Apostolic Doctrine as well as baptized and preached that “Jesus is the Son of God.” As a man of God, he was devoted to his faith, his family, his Church Family and was a member of Ministerial Alliance Association of the Apostolic Faith. During his spare time, he enjoyed fresh-water fishing at his favorite local spots and deep-sea fishing, and was a die-hard and devoted Yankee fan. Bishop William is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Nadine and Donell Washington of Albany, and Sharon “Turkey” Hawkins of Utica; his step daughters and son-in-law, Patricia Stinney of Harvard, MA, and Charlene and Ronald Brandow of Nassau, NY; his grandchildren, Krystal, Shannon and Anthony Ferguson, Shauna, Jasmine, Alexander Jr., Denzel, and Shniya; step-grandchildren, Jocelyn, and Kristofer; and his great-grandchild, Aalanah. He will also be missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Herman and Jody Thomas of Albany; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, many of whom affectionately knew him as “Uncle William”; and in-laws, Lorraine Thomas, and Francine Thomas. A testament to Bishop Thomas’ life is the many dear and cherished friendships he held. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Ted Gause; his brothers, Donald Thomas, and Carl Thomas; and his sister-in-law, Louise Wicks-Waters. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., and friends and caregivers Brian, Cassandra, Theresa, and Valerie who made Bishop Thomas’ stay at his home comfortable. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at Christ Temple Church, 1505 Seymour Ave., Utica. Memorial contributions in Bishop Thomas’ honor may be considered to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the church. William's Home Going Celebration will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 at the Church of Jesus Christ, 562 Clinton Avenue, Albany, NY, where his funeral service will be offered by his nephew, Elder Herman Thomas, Jr. Interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery in Albany at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Bishop William H. Thomas

November 20, 1943 - March 3, 2013