Bernard Thomason,Jr.
REMEMBERING A GREAT MAN Bernard Alvin Thomason Jr.
Bernard Alvin Thomason Jr. affectionately known as “Alvin” was born on November 28, 1976, in San Francisco, CA, to Virginia Gale Thomason and Bernard Alvin Thomason. He accepted Christ at an early age at Neighborhood Baptist Church in San Francisco, CA, under the late Pastor Peter Williams.
Bernard graduated from Phillip Burton High School in San Fransico, CA in 1994, where he was an active member of the gospel choir, traveling to Spain, Australia and the Bahamas. His early work at the Parks and Recreation Center sparked his lifelong love for children and caring for others.
Bernard was also a proud graduate of Grambling State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s in Public Administration. While at Grambling, Bernard enjoyed the journey of becoming a true “G” Man and forged lifelong friends that he would continue to “do life with” long after he left. His passion for service led him to an internship, and eventually a full-time role, with Social Security Administration.
Bernard dedicated over 20 years of distinguished service to the Social Security Administration. His professional life was defined by his profound dedication and being a compassionate and respected leader that was deeply committed to the well-being of his team and the clients he served. His true legacy lies in the people he uplifted. Bernard was a leader who led with compassion and integrity, managing his teams with the same kindness and respect he wished for himself. His great passion was empowering others, and he was “obsessed" with ensuring that everyone around him had the opportunity to shine.
Benard’s love for God was inseparable from his love for music and as a talented musician, he could play the piano, saxophone and drums, but his true calling was sharing his gift with others. From his beginnings as a young boy in his home church Neighborhood Baptist Church (San Francisco), to his college days at Zion Travel Baptist Church (Rustin, LA); and in the communities he later joined, at Word of Faith Christian (Nashville, TN), Living Stones Temple (Bessemer, AL) and Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church (Austin, TX ). In every congregation he joined, he faithfully served as the drummer, and with every beat, he drummed his way into the hearts of all who worshipped alongside him.
The greatest chapter of Bernard’s life began the moment he met Candace. She was, simply, the love of his life. His love for her was profound and unapologetic, and he was the husband that she had been waiting for. They pledged their “forever “ to each other on January 27, 2018, beginning a beautiful journey as husband and wife. Their perfect union was blessed with two sons, Myles and
Austen, who completed their family and were the center of Bernard’s world. Bernard absolutely enjoyed being a father and embraced his role as the ultimate protector and provider for the people he loved the most.
Bernards’s zest for life was contagious. He delighted in every moment spent with family, cherishing reunions, holidays and connecting with cousins. He embraced his passion, from riding his motorcycle, watching sports, playing video games and hunting, all with a great sense of style, fashion and unmistakable love for shopping. He was a loyal friend who eagerly anticipated annual guys’ trips and was a proud supporter of “anything” Grambling. More than anything, Bernard was the vibrant center of his close-knit family. Beloved by his mother, aunties, and other family members, his unforgettable big smile, infectious laugh, and genuine affection brought joy to everyone he encountered. He will be missed by everyone who had the privilege to know him.
Bernard entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Round Rock, TX. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard Alvin Thomason and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Bernard leaves to cherish his memories, Wife Candace R. Thomason, children: Myles Thomason, Austen Thomason, Mother Virginia Gale Thomason, Mother-in-Law, Rebia Dyson, Brother in Laws: Quincy Dyson (Jessica), Dallas Dyson (Charnique), Special Aunt, Lorraine Loville, Aunts: Ruby Wills (Gary), Queen Thomason, Jacqueline Thomason, Darlene Thomason, Uncles: Clyde Dyson Jr. (Karan), Roger Thomason, Lurie Thomason, Ray Charles Thomason and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, friends and colleagues and church family.
Order of Service
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church
4301 Tannehill Ln, Austin, TX 78721
Rev. Vecente Coatney, Officiating
PROCESSIONAL Ministers and Family
Musical Selection
Old Testament Scripture Lamentations 3:22-23
Kyra Turner
New Testament Scripture 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Kadar Dennis Prayer Al Turner
Musical Selection
Expressions, 2 minutes please Family, Friend, Colleague Lourie Thomason ∙Brandon James Quincy Dyson
Resolutions and Acknowledgments
Courtney Hensley
Obituary, Read Silently
Musical Selection
Eulogy
Rev. Richard Kendall
Neighborhood Baptist Church San Fransico, CA
Recessional
Lurie Thomason, Ray Charles Thomason host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, friends and colleagues and church
A Letter from Heaven
As I sit in Heaven and watch you every day, I try to let you know with signs I never went away. I hear you laughing and watch you as you sleep. I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep. I see you wish the days away, begging to have me home. So, I try to send you signs so you know you’re not alone. Don’t feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me. Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait and see. So, live your life, laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free! Then I know with every breath you take you will be taking one for me.
Forever with you in spirit, aka
My Loving Husband
, I waited my whole life for you, and I was so blessed to have found you. You were not just my husband, you were my best friend, my confidant,
Daddy,
Our hero, our guiding light, We miss your hugs both day and night. Your warm smile and gentle tone Made every day feel like home. We'll hold your love within our heart, Even though we're far apart.
Your boys forever,
To
my dearest Alvin,
I am so incredibly proud of the amazing man you've become. As my beloved son, you have filled my heart with joy through every step of your journey from being a loving husband and a devoted father to a man of faith whose spirit has enriched the lives of those around you. Your commitment to living a life filled with God’s love and grace has always inspired me, and I will forever cherish the wonderful memories we shared.
With all my love,
Active Pallbearers
James (Hashi) Loville Will Jackson Arieh Kendall
Quincy Dyson Kadar Dennis Charles Kendall
Honorary Pallbearers
Manuel Lopez
Dajshawn Loville Dallas Dyson
Brandon James Al Turner Clyde Dyson Jr.
David Dubose
With Sincere Gratitude
We, the family of Bernard Alvin Thomason Jr., would like to thank you all for your kindness and support during the loss of our loved one. We appreciate your prayers, calls, and cards during this difficult time. Nothing you have done for us has gone unnoticed. Your kindness, encouragement, and heartfelt condolences have been a source of strength and comfort during this difficult period. We are deeply thankful for our friends, family, neighbors, and church family whose generous hearts and supportive actions helped us navigate our grief. Your caring words, thoughtful gestures, and ongoing presence have made an indelible difference in our hearts. With profound appreciation, we acknowledge the prayers, love and support that helped us carry on in this time of mourning. Thank you for standing with us in our time of need.
Committal & Final Resting Place
Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery
14501NorthInterstateHwy35, Pflugerville,TX78660
Repast
Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church 4301TannehillLn,Austin,TX78721
Services Entrusted to Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery
14501NorthInterstateHwy35, Pflugerville,TX78660
DESIGNED BY: VANCELLIS