Rev. Prentiss Thomas

  Rev. Prentiss E. Thomas, 90, of Springfield, MA, transitioned life on January 16, 2024, at home surrounded by love and family. 

  “Sonny” was born in Brookhaven, MS, to the late Jesse Thomas and Estelle Thomas in 1933. He was born into a large family of 13 siblings.  In 1968, Sonny moved to Springfield, MA, we’re he worked hard, attained his GED from the Adult Education Center and received his calling to the Ministry before becoming an ordained Minister. 

  “Tommy” began to work for Daniel O’Conner Construction and became a member of the Local 999 Laborers Union for more than 30 years.  A ‘few’ projects he worked on included Baystate West/the Ski-walk, Marriot Hotel, Sheraton Tara Hotel, the Civic Center, Chestnut and Park Towers, Post Office, the Daily Republican Newspaper Building, Baystate Medical Center, and before retiring, the Memorial Bridge. 

  Although Mr. Thomas had many passions to include in his legacy, two mentionable qualities are, he was fond of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his family.  Rev. Thomas was a devoted member and cofounder of Springfield Grace Community Baptist Church in which he cherished to the fullest.  Health issues prevented him from attending services later in life, but he enjoyed every opportunity he had to speak about the Bible, his journey, religion and spirituality.  A loyal praying and faithful man, he prayed aloud with family and or someone on the phone at least twice a day, everyday, until a few days before his passing.  And if you happened to call him during mealtimes, you were included in his ‘Grace-Prayer’.  

  Whether you knew him as Rev. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, Prentiss, Sonny, Tommy, Pop, Poppy, My Buddy, Paw-Paw, or Dad, he had a personal and intimate relationship with all.  He would lend you his time, his ear, his heart, and words of encouragement.  He loved to give nick-names and that was a special bond between you and him.  He loved gardening, cooking, and making ‘lemonade’ for special occasions or by request. 

  Predeceased by his wife, Ladine Thomas in 2011, two sons, Michael Thomas and Odell Sanders, a daughter, Lauristine Dixon, 4 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sister, Ruthie Turner and brother, Leonard Thomas of Mississippi.  He is also survived by sons, Johnny Ray Wilson, Rev. Larry Jean Thomas, David Charles Thomas, Rev. Al Jesse Thomas, JW Sanders, and Alvin Anthony Porter;  daughters, Shirley Jackson, Eula Longino, Vergie Ruth Reed, and Darlene Porter;  48 grandchildren;  84 great-grandchildren;  and 20 great-great-grandchildren.

  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Trinity Health of New England, Renal Transplant Association of New England, Urology of Western New England, Baystate Visiting Nurses, Tufts Insurance, and the Landmark Palliative Care Team.  Words cannot express the gratitude and respect we have for you and your compassion with all that you do.  The encouragement and support you provided us during his journey was truly inspiring and unmeasurable.  Special acknowledgements to granddaughters Shaunta Swan, Chardae Moore and Savanna Moore for fulfilling your Poppy’s daily needs;  granddaughters, Rayshandra Hill and Elizabeth Marshall for your special attention to medical care and treatment;  neighbor, Lorenzo Montanez  for weekly visits (and more) bringing him soda and juice;  and, god-daughter, Lisa Holbrook for being supportive to him and the family. 

The wake is 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Harrell Funeral Home, followed by the Homegoing service at 11, with burial in Oak Grove Cemetery

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Prentiss Thomas, please visit our floral store.