Mrs. Mary Ernestine (Wicks) Thomas

Mrs. Mary Ernestine (Wicks) Thomas, age 81, of Utica, was called Home to be with her Lord on Thursday, January 20, 2011. At the time of Mary’s passing, she was surrounded by the love of her family in the comfort of her home. Born in Mechanicville, NY on April 10, 1929, Mary was the daughter of the late Ernest and Sally Wicks. She was raised and educated in Mechanicville and furthered her education at the college level. On May 22, 1965 she married William H. Thomas. God brought them to each other and it was their mutual faith and trust that sustained their bond throughout 45 years of marriage. Mary worked for the State of New York Office of Taxation and Finance, and at Kelsey-Hayes in the data entry department. She later held a position at the Teamsters Union from which she retired. Mary was a woman of many hats and possessed one for every occasion. Her hats were almost as numerous as the many roles she played throughout her life. She and her husband founded Christ Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith in 1975, where she proudly served as the Mother of the Church, first lady, record keeper, Sunday school teacher, usher board leader, missionary treasurer, and cook. Because her faith led her heart, she never gave up and she wasn’t afraid to face the world. It was her Love of the Lord that allowed her to work through adversity to make sure everyone around her was taken care of. She enjoyed the constant companionship of her family and stressed the importance of this closeness during the weekends. On Saturday nights she would prepare her children and get their Sunday outfits together. She served the Sunday morning hot chocolate, and later the Sunday meal, all the while tending to her husband, children and grandchildren. Her nurturing maternal qualities were instilled upon her by her mother. Mary was strong, wise, determined, giving, and selfless. She gave everything to family and God. Mary is survived by her husband, William; her daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia Stinney of Harvard, MA, Charlene and Ronald Brandow of Nassau, NY, Nadine and Donell Washington of Albany, and Sharon Hawkins of Utica; and her grandchildren, Jocelyn, Krystal, Shannon, Shauna, Kristofer, Jasmine, Alexander, Jr., Denzel, Shniya, and 2 adopted grandchildren, Nikki, and Ashley. She will also be missed by her special canine companion, Amber; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, cousins, in-laws, Herman and Jody Thomas of Albany; and her special friend, Prophet Margaret Bell. She was predeceased by a sister, Louise Wicks-Waters. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Razia and her staff for the care given to Mary. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Christ Temple Church, 1505 Seymour Avenue in Utica. For those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider memorial contributions to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.; envelopes will be available at the service. Mary’s Home Going Celebration will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:30 at the Peter Spencer Union American Methodist Episcopal Church, 843 Bleecker St. with Mary’s nephew, Elder Herman Thomas, Jr. officiating. Committal prayers and interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Mary Ernestine (Wicks) Thomas

April 10, 1929 - January 20, 2011