Mother Rosa Mae Thomas was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013. She was born in Suffolk and was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Thomas; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James and Sarah Brown; brothers, Joe Brown, James Brown Jr., Willie Brown and George Harris; son, Willie Watford Jr.; and granddaughter, Cynthia Brown. She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Clifton Brown (Ida), of Durham, N.C., Sylvester Brown, of Trenton, N.J., and Terry Watford (Nan), of Chesapeake; two daughters, Lillie Brown, of Trenton, N.J., and Gwendolyn Henderson, of Hamilton, N.J.; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and friends.

Mother Rosa Thomas was a powerful warrior of God. She was a dedicated and active member of New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministries for more than 30 years. She was ordained as an evangelist, devoting herself to continuous learning and preaching the Word of God. She was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. Mother Thomas served as a member of the Mother’s Board, President of the First Lady Committee, First President of Noon Day Prayer, Intercessory Prayer Warrior, member of the Pastoral Shepherd Care, Nurse’s Unit, First Senior Choir, and Sunday School teacher. She supported the church’s building funds and assisted with organizing church events. She was one of the strong pillars of the church serving under the leadership of Bishop W.P. and First Lady Lula M. Wiggins. In addition, she was a founding member of the Progressive Church of the Living God in Trenton, N.J., under the leadership of Pastor Foreman. She also began a telephone ministry reaching many souls. There was no task too large or great that Mother Thomas did not pursue with great faith, a sense of urgency, and with the Word of God as her guide.

With the power of the Holy Spirit, she preached, counseled, and led many to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Whether she was in the store, hospital, mall or other public place, she would, without hesitation or embarrassment, enthusiastically share the good news of Jesus Christ. Family was extremely important to our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She eagerly assembled her loved ones for many family reunion events in various locations both in Virginia and New Jersey. She provided us with advice, understanding, spiritual enlightenment and righteous family values.

She continuously strengthened family ties and helped loved ones understand the power of the Lord and how to live by His everlasting word. In the 1960s, she moved her family to Trenton, N.J., for a better education. She believed in having an educational focus and “to go as far as you can” in attaining a higher education. Our Mother led again by example earning a GED and associate of arts degree, with a major in sociology from the Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, N.J., attaining the dean’s list during her studies. In addition, she was a graduate of the Suffolk District School of Ministry. She obtained countless certificates for Biblical studies. She also participated in the Missionary of the Year Pageant. Mother Rosa Thomas was a witness to God’s greatness and exhibited faithfulness in servitude. As a result of her passion and love for Jesus as well as her obedience and trust in God, countless souls have been won to the Lord. She leaves behind a legacy of loving and serving the Lord, her family and God’s people. As a prayer warrior, she believed there was no problem too big for God.

Through her dedicated life to the Lord, advice and encouragement, she has taught us well. We are better servants of the Lord and keepers of His promise. As she has moved on and will study war no more, the Lord calls us to reflect, appreciate and celebrate her life. The love, joy and light of the Lord she shared as a willing vessel was magnificent, beyond comprehension and causes our mind to marvel. Let these teachings continue be a beacon unto our feet and shine forever in our hearts until we meet again. And God said, “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” Matthew 25:21.

Visiting hours with the family will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Crocker Funeral Home, 900 E. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434, (757) 539-7443, www.crockerfuneralhome.com. On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, the viewing is at 10 a.m., and the funeral is at 11 a.m., at New Mount Joy Food for Living Ministries, 307 County St., Suffolk, with Overseer Dr. Viola Parker, pastor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church’s building fund. Interment will be held at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Dill Road, Suffolk.