Nelson Thomas Obituary (1940 - 2016)

Nelson Perry Thomas was born in Easton on February 12, 1940 to the late Grace T. Milbourne and Walter Thomas. He received his education from Frederick Douglas and Moton High. Nelson’s mother remarried to George E Collins, who raised him as his own son. Nelson was essential in caring for his siblings while his parents worked. As a young adult, Nelson was blessed with two sons: Nelson, Jr. and Leslie Thomas. He was a faithful Witness to Jehovah. He was a skilled contractor settling in Buffalo, New York, where he was blessed from a previous marriage with six children: Craig, Brian, Jason, Carla, Lori, and Debbie. He was also blessed with two step-daughters: Lynn and Jackie. On September 8, 1990, Nelson united in Holy Matrimony to Barbara Yates-Gibson. To this union Nelson opened his arms to eight step children. In 2008, Nelson fulfilled his dream by building his dream home in Royal Oak, Maryland. His desire was to have a house large enough to accommodate his entire family. Nelson left a personal mark on every home he touched from cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, to the balconies. He was adamant in completing his projects until his health began to decline. Nelson was known for talking for hours with family and friends. Nelson leaves to cherish fond memories his wife Barbara; 5 sons: Nelson Jr. (Rosita), Leslie (Michelle), Brian, Craig, and Jason; 5 daughters: Donna, Jackie, Carla Ford, Lori Thompson (Simon), and Debra Dade; 2 brothers: James (Shelly) Thomas of Columbia, MD, Lester (Kathleen) Collins of Pilegrove, New Jersey; 2 sisters: Leslie (Garfield) Pierce of Millville, New Jersey, and Renee Thomas of Fairfax, Virginia; one aunt, Flora Goldsboro, one uncle, Preston Kellam, and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by a host of spiritual sisters, brothers, and special friends. In addition to his parents, Nelson is preceded in death by a sister, Freda M. Wright; two brothers: Alonzo Thomas and George E Collins, Jr.: a grandson, Isaiah Z. Thomas; a step daughter, Jackie D. Seals; two step grandsons: Shane C. Gibson and Brian A. Gibson. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 29250 Skipton Landing Road, Cordova, MD 21625.