Vidal Thomas

VIDAL CLARKE THO MAS

The candle has been extinguished,

But It’s Light Will Forever Shine …

Homegoing Celebration Service Saturday, September 8, 2012 * 10:00 AM

Mount Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church 3756 Louisa St. * New Orleans, LA 70126 Pastor Darrick R. Johnson, Officiating

COWBOY IN! May 9, 1972

His Life His Light Will Shine Forever…

On May 9, 1972, a bouncing baby boy was born to Darlene Thomas and Michael Bates, and on that day Vidal Clarke Thomas, affectionately called “Vee”, became the apple of his mother’s eye and a joy to all that came in contact with him.

An only child, Vee grew up in the lower ninth ward of New Orleans and attended Thomas Alva Edison Elementary School and Fannie C. Williams Middle School. Though he would grow up to be an avid and die-hard Cowboys fan, It is during this time that his love for football began and was nurtured as he played for the Goretti Playground “Saints.” Vee completed his formal education receiving a diploma from St. Augustine High School.

Preparing for life on his own, Vee equipped himself with an esteemed trade by attending Katie’s School of Barbering. However, life’s twists and turns would land Vee at the Domino Sugar Refinery where he stayed for 16 years until his illness would no longer allow him to work.

Realizing that man was not meant to be alone, on November 7, 1998, Vee hesitantly agreed to a blind date, where he met his first true love, Chiquita Smith, also known as “Puddin”.

Knowing that he had found his soul mate , and wanting her to know that he truly loved her, he asked, she said yes, and they were married on January 21, 2006. Being baptized at 7 years of age at the Battle Ground B. C., Vee’s foundation, due to his Christian upbringing was solid, so after they married, he and his family began worshipping, and also placed their membership at the Mount Kingdom M.B.C. where he served faithfully in the Men’s Ministry, even singing in the Male Chorus.

Vee was a husband, son, father and friend who was loved and admired by many. He was a fun-loving person who liked to bar-b-que, liked to second-line and loved his Cowboys.

Preceded in death by his father, Michael Bates, and three uncles, Bobby and Gary Bates and Kelvin Thomas, he leaves to cherish precious memories his adoring wife, Chiquita Smith Thomas; four children, DaJeane Smith, DaJuan Smith, Dominique Mercadel and Davonta Smith; his loving mother, Darlene Thomas Gates; step-father, Jerald Gates; grandparents, Doretha and Allen Thomas, Sr. and Edna and Joe Bates; mother-in-law, Brenda Smith; Aunts & Uncles, Allen Glenn, Bruce Thomas, Keith Thomas, Harold & Ora Cutno, Richard & Kim Wade, Landra (Larry) Hart, Cynthia Foy, Patriana (Leroy) Hart, Patrick & Denise Johnson, Clarence Hart and Gail Pajeaud; Sisterin-law, Chantele Smith; Brother-in-law, Willie Smith; nephews, Gary & Jacquez Smith; niece Mya Burns; God Parents, Melvina Taylor, Sandra Gardner and Daniel Soraparu; God Children, Kendrell Thompson and Jaedon Jones; and a host of very special cousins, relatives, neighbors and friends.

Celebration of Life Mt. Kingdom Missionary Baptist Church Officiant: Darrick R. Johnson, Pastor/Teacher 3756 Louisa Street * New Orleans, LA 70126 Saturday, September 8, 2012 * 10:00 a.m.

Organ Prelude Processional Ministers & Family Scripture Readings Congregational Hymn Prayer Prayer Chant: Selection …………………….................................................................................. Mt. Kingdom Mass Choir Reflection from the Men’s Ministry ……………..………….....................….…………..... Bro. Wendell Monroe “My Cousins’ Touch” ………………………………………………..……………………………………………. Corey Claude, Jr Solo……………………………………………..…..……………………..…..…..……...………………................ Bro. Larry Dace Words of Encouragement………………………………………………………………………….…………… Sis. Cora Monroe “His Life” …….………………….……………..…………………………………..…………………………………. Sis. Karen Hence Solo………………………………………………..…………………………………….………………….… Minister Andrea Jackson First Lady, Greater Antioch M.B.C. “A Word from the Lord” …………………….……..…. Eulogy …………..……..………….. Pastor Darrick R. Johnson Words of Comfort from Visiting Ministers (1 minute please) Benediction / Recessional

Singing You A New Song Reflect on the times I used to sing to you Telling you that you're beautiful and I love you.

In every song I want you to hear me So that the spaces I once occupied won’t seem so empty Treasure the memories of my voice to carry you through So you will be reminded, That I am still with you.

Let the sounds of my laughter remain in your heart.

For I will be with you always, we'll never be apart I want to see that beautiful smile remain on your face For you and I will be reunited, on a later day.

The moments we’ve shared are like twinkles in the sky.

The happy times we shared will sometimes dry your eyes Each time you hear music I want to see happiness on your face So, I can feel in my heart your soft but strong embrace Puddin, I want you to hold on and be strong And each day, Just think of me singing you a new song.

Letter From Heaven Hey everybody, I hope this doesn't reach you too late.

I don't want you to worry, Because life up here is great.

I can't wait for you to see the beauty of heaven, But I know it's not your time.

I really miss you guys, But I know you'll be just fine.

You know I can see you right, So please stop shedding tears.

You guys, I'm perfectly fine, So conquer all your fears.

I'll be watching your every move.

Relax! I won't spill your beans.

But stop all those naughty things you do, Because you know there's nothing He can't see.

I need you to come here to meet me, But not if you misbehave, So please keep God in your heart, And you'll be safe and saved.

Hey guys I know you miss me.

It's really hard not to.

But please, please stop grieving, Because you're making me sad too.

You guys have been a great family, And I am truly blessed.

Now God will do the rest.

He's really a great person, And an even better friend, So I'm in great hands, And on Him you can also depend.

Oh boy, I'm getting carried away.

I want to say so many things, But I really have to go now, Because today I'm getting my wings.

Bye you guys, love you forever and a day!

P.S.: Be good DaJeane, DaJuan, Devonta & Dominique.

I'll be watching!!!

Active Pallbearers Dwayne Williams Lionel Jenkins Roderick Ramsey

Donald Harris Corey Claude, Sr. Santana Peters

Honorary Pallbearers Jerald Gates Allen Glen Thomas Bruce Thomas Keith Thomas

Harold Cutno Richard Wade DaJuan Smith Davonta Williams

With Gratitude & Love We, the family of Vidal Clarke “Vee” Thomas, wish to express our sincere appreciation for the many acts of kindness shown during the illness and passing of our loved one.

We love you and we pray God’s richest blessings upon you.

Sincerely, The Family

Repast Regency Reception Hall 7300 Downman Rd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70126 1pm to 5pm

August

30

2012

COWBOY Steppin

Out

Internment Mount Olivet Cemetery 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70122

Arrangements Heritage Funeral Directors 4101 Saint Claude Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70117