Evangelist. Idella Cora Thomas

Obituary For Evangelist Idella Cora "Blackshear" Thomas

Evangelist Idella Cora Thomas departed for her eternal rest on August 6, 2001. Evangelist Thomas was born Idella Cora Blackshear to Daisy and Robert Blackshear in Dawson, Georgia, on November 10, 1921.She left behind to mourn her loss but celebrate her legacy: her husband of 34 years, Leonard Thomas; daughters Lonie and Susie Thomas; two sons, Leonard Thomas and Thomas Williams Hauger, with whom she made her home; grandson Leonard Thomas; and granddaughter Tamika Thomas. She leaves behind three living brothers: Isaac Blackshear, Robert Blackshear of Youngstown, and Ernest Blackshear of Columbus, Ohio. A special nephew, Thomas Blackshear of North Carolina, and special daughter Cheri Alexander of Youngstown, Ohio. and a host of nieces and nephews also survive her. She joined in the ancestral realm Her Mother and Father Robert and Daisy Malone three brothers—Shelton, Sam, and Clement—and two sisters, Jessie and Jesse Benson, and Orra Blackshear.

Evangelist Thomas was commissioned as an Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ. She graduated with her nursing degree from Ohio State in the early sixties and went on to earn her Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Trotwood, Ohio. She was an advocate for anti-poverty initiatives in Mahoning County and for voting rights.

Services of Celebration were held August 14-16. Evangelist Thomas lay in repose at the Mahoning County courthouse on August 15, and funeral services were held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She lay in repose at the church from 9-10 a.m. Family hour began at 11 a.m., and the funeral service began at 12 noon.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

So do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Evangelist. Idella Cora Thomas, please visit our flower store.