THE LEGACY
OF

SISTER CAROLYN J. THOMAS

Joy and happiness were wrought to Mr. Eugene and Mrs. Lizzie Copeland Thomas, proud parents, as God blessed their family with a daughter, Carolyn J. Thomas, who was an inspiration and nurtured and educated in the Fairfield City School System commencing at Robinson Elementary and graduated from Fairfield Industrial High School. Afterwards, Sis Carolyn J. Thomas matriculated at Talladega College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Languages. Later, she studies at the Alabama A&M University and earned a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education as a Reading Specialist. In addition, Sis Thomas has done post graduate study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham toward the Double A Certificate.

Religiously, acknowledging God in His omnipotence, Carolyn J. Thomas exhibits her Christian beliefs as a loyal and dedicated member of First Baptist Church Fairfield, where she has served untiringly in the following capacities; Sunday School Superintendent in the Youth Division, Financial Secretary to the Orchid Circle Matrons, Advisor to the Chuck Nevett Usher Board, Director of the Youth Missionary Ministry, Personnel Committee, Scholarship Committee, Chair of the Centennial Anniversary. Also she served as the First Assistant Counselor for Matrons for the Peace Baptist District Association, later appointed as the Matrons' Counselor in the District.

Professionally, she was an instructor of English at Brighton Middle in the Jefferson County School System, where she strived to motivate her students so that they would become lifelong learners with a thirst for knowledge and the best at their chosen professions. Carolyn Thomas was also team leader for the middle grades, Black History Program Chair, Building Leadership Team Chair and Reading Coach. In addition, she was a member of the Jefferson County Education Association, National Education Association, National Association for Foreign Language Teachers, National Council of English Teachers and Alabama Council of Education and Technology and the Jefferson County Retirees Association Fraternally, Carolyn J. Thomas is past President of Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She received her Silver Star medallion pin and certificate for twenty-five years of consecutive years of service, locally, regionally and internationally. She possessed genuine rapport with the graduates and undergraduates through her leadership skills and compassion. Carolyn Thomas is the recipient of a multiplicity of awards. Her prestigious honors include: Outstanding Young Woman of America; Second Mile Teacher Award; Teacher of the Day (WENN Radio Station); Teacher of the Year, Brighton High School; Mayor's Visionary Award from Mayor Larry P. Langford; Teacher of the Year 1996-97; Service Award from the United Way of Central Alabama; Outstanding Services to North Central Sickle Foundation, Supporter of the Princeton Alternative School, Supporter of the Cancer Education in Under-served Communities, Adopter of the Year for Kingston School, Award from the Titusville Community and the Susie J. Rembert and the Edna Hale Award and was inducted into the Fairfield Industrial High School Hall Fame.

Realizing the significance of collaborating with the community through service, Carolyn Thomas was a member of; Cahaba Girl Scout Council, YWCA, Talladega College Alumni, serving as Vice President and later became President, Fairfield High School Alumni Association, Incorporated, as chairman of the Newsletter Committee and Recording Secretary of the Fairfield Chapter; NAACP, Urban League, United Negro College, Sickle Cell Foundation, American Red Cross, Nancy G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Pan Hellenic Council.

She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Lizzie Copeland Thomas, and her brother Donald Thomas. She leaves to mourn, two Sisters Lizzie P. Ellison, and Safiyyah Hassan , five nieces, Debbie, LaRissa, Apostle C. Saunders (Richard), Detonya Demetriss Lindsey, Tracie; two nephews; Michael Steed(Wanda) and Pastor James Steed. She has a special daughter Cynthia P. Ryce(Harold) , grandson, Harold Ryce III. and twin god daughters Sabrina and Katrina and a host of other relatives.