Arvella Thomas

Arvella Thomas., age 93, was born in Carrollton, Georgia on July 26, 1924 to the late Josephine and Homer Clopton. On Monday, October 23, 2017 an angel of God stopped by her residence to escort her home to be with the Lord. Arvella was raised and educated in Carrollton. There she met and married Curtis Thomas, Sr. on November 28, 1942. This union was blessed with three sons and four daughters. In 1950 she relocated to Columbus, Ohio. Mother Thomas received the Lord as her Savior at an early age. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Clem, Georgia. Upon moving to Columbus, she joined Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and later moved her membership to be with her husband to the newly organized Second Shiloh Baptist Church where she served over 60 years. Mother Thomas became a Deaconess when her husband was ordained as a deacon at Second Shiloh. She was a diligent servant of the Lord down through the years. She worked beside her husband raising funds for whatever was needed when the church was located on Hosack Street and continued to be involved in all types of fundraisers once the church moved on Faber Avenue. One of her favorite fundraisers was the State Rally where she loved telling others about life as a child of God growing up in her home state of Georgia. When out of town ministers visited Second Shiloh for revival or special programs she often welcomed them to her home for a home cooked meal that always included sweet potato pie and peach cobbler. Some of her milestones at Second Shiloh include singing with the Travelettes, a gospel singing group organized by some of the ladies of Second Shiloh, President of the Deaconess Board for over 15 years, Treasurer of the Missionary Ministry, former Women’s Day speaker and the 2004 Second Shiloh Woman of Distinction. Though she was a woman of few words, she quietly worked behind the scenes supporting almost every ministry of the church and always having a kind word of encouragement for all. She taught her children at an early age the importance of knowing and serving the Lord. She was a long time residence of the Stambaugh neighborhood where she was a wonderful neighbor, a faithful friend, a loving mother, and grandmother to many growing up in the community. She was a homemaker and enjoyed nothing more than sitting on a sunny bank fishing with family and friends. Mother Thomas loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul and spirit. She was truly a giver who would give her last and not expect anything in return. Always caring about others’ feelings, she would rather suffer the wrong than to cause anyone hurt or embarrassment. She held her peace and let the Lord fight her battles. Whenever she came in the presence of others, the love of Christ shown through her smile and demeanor. Mother Thomas loved her church, her Pastor, family, friends and neighbors.