Mother Evelyn Thomas

Mother Evelyn Thomas was born on February 17, 1933 in Fort Smith, AR to Rograda and James Bud Kursh. She was educated in Fort Smith public schools. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and all ten siblings, Willie Lee, Arthur, Betty Lou, James, Patrick, Bobby, Mattie Helen, Hattie Jean, Jimmy and Judy. Times were difficult in 1933 for most Black families trying to survive in the South amidst racial violence, discrimination, and very limited opportunities. Despite the challenges of being reared in Arkansas during such tumultuous times, Evelyn was nicknamed “Sweetie” due to her warm and humble personality, as she clothed herself in humility. She grew in her love for the Lord and her love for the church and October, 1944 she made her personal confession of faith and began a lifelong walk with the Lord at St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. C.A. Perry. She was baptized in Mill Creek and loved to recount the story of her baptism, what she described in splendid detail to be an amazing experience. She served in the Red Circle for Girls, Sunshine Band, Junior Choir, Women’s Missionary Society, Inspirational Choir, Church Reminders Club, and as Youth Director. Being community-minded, she also became involved in the local Women’s Club Movements which stood for educational empowerment, social reform, racial uplift, and community organizing for self-help. She loved to worship at St. James Missionary Baptist Church and often recalled how they would get in a hurry when approaching the church as they could hear the sounds of the saints raising the great hymns she loved so dearly. In September 1951, Evelyn married Harvey Thomas, Sr. and to this union five children were born, Deborah, Harvey, Karen, Marsha and Donna She took on various types of employment such as domestic worker, and short order fry cook. After a period of time, she received opportunities to further her education and would become a Certified Public Housing Manager, and the manager of Elm Grove Homes. At the same time she also worked in Nursing Service at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith. This led to her increased involvement and interest in community affairs, church ministry work, along with racial and political activism as she was recruited to various board appointments and committee assignments representing her local community. Upon relocating to Kansas City in December 1980, Evelyn continued her work in Housing Management, to become the Residential Manager at Sycamore Groves Housing Development in 1983. She took her job seriously and worked tirelessly to maintain a beautiful, clean, and safe housing complex, often leaving her residence after working hours, to explain to residents and guests the importance of working together to take pride in the community they called home. Her love for serving the needs of families, continued, earning her the unofficial titles of mentor, counselor, financial advisor, and encourager to many. At Sycamore Groves, Evelyn assumed an active role in community affairs. She dedicated countless hours to voter registration and voter education while serving as a poll judge and supervisor for many years. With great excitement, she also facilitated several social programs including the much-anticipated and free, Summer Youth Program, seasonal parties for children, baseball teams for youth. She led many senior citizen initiatives while partnering with local law enforcement agencies to ensure safety for all. Shortly after relocating to Kansas City, she and many members of the family united with Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Wallace Hartsfield, Sr., after hearing a dynamic and moving message at a city-wide King Holiday celebration. The family became actively involved at Metropolitan, participating in Mission, Music, Ushers, Culinary, and Prayer ministries, Sunday Church School, and BTU. In addition to her church involvement, she provided leadership for many years to the Senior Citizens Groups at Sycamore Groves and for Seton Center’s Senior Buddies. She was appointed as a member and eventually became President of the Church Mother’s Board Ministry at Metropolitan where she served with distinction until her passing. God truly blessed Mother Thomas with 91 years of life, allowing her latter years to be her best years! She departed this earthly life on Friday, April 12 at 3:25 pm at home surrounded by all five children. She was assured by 2 Corinthians 5:1 - (Amplified Version) “… if the earthly tent (our physical body) which is our house, is torn down (through death) we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Deborah (George), Harvey, Karen, Marsha, and Donna. Her grandchildren, Chris, Heather, Thomas, Stephen, Jason, Joshua, Brandon, Wilfred, Princess, and Quincy. She also leaves her great-grandchildren, Briyanna, Jaidyn, KeAja, Janiya, and Ja’ray as well as the newest family member and great-great granddaughter, Emery, a cousin, Oliver Jones of Omaha, NE and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 12:00pm at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10:00am-12:00pm at the church. Interment will be held on Monday, May 6, 11:00am Leavenworth National Cemetery, LVWKS. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. 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Mother Evelyn Thomas

February 17, 1933 - April 12, 2024