Cherry Lane Thomas was born on May 14, 1940 in Montgomery, Alabama as one of 11 children of the late Earl Alexander Thomas, Sr and Katie Ruth Hall Thomas. She fell asleep in death on March 7, 2021 after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.


After graduating from high school, Cherry joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. She had always been active in supporting social changes which included the civil right movements. She and many of her siblings were drawn to the fight for justice and equality when that movement began in the south. She spoke often about the March on Washington in 1963 and how important it was for her to be there just to make a difference. That drive pushed her further north and planted the seeds of truth that would eventually alter the course of her life. She moved to Paterson, NJ where she began her family and also started studying with Jehovah's Witnesses. Cherry came to realize that she can still have the same drive, passion, and support for justice but it will only come about through God's kingdom. She decided to place her efforts there and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on June 27, 1975 and never looked back.


Sickness and failing health would eventually slow Cherry down but her faith would remain forever strong. Her home was always open to meals, refreshments, gatherings, and companionship. She was a skilled self-taught musician and would play the kingdom melodies on her piano while hosting. She always looked forward to feeding the many visiting circuit overseers over the years as well. She was a wonderful mother and sister and will be truly missed.


She is survived by her three children Terrand Thomas, Karen Reed, and Robin Thomas; four grandchildren Darryl,  Romera (Brandon), Terence and Bianca; and four great grandchildren Kiley, Darilyn, Alana- Marie, and Alivia; and 8 brothers and sisters Earl Alexander Thomas (Anna), Loretta Jean Gill, Gladys O'Neal Reid (Lester), Joyce Lorraine Thomas, Gail Keither Thomas (Magnolia), Erin Ruth Brown, Vivian Lee Davis, Allen Brent Thomas, and Earline and Walter Lawrence Thomas who have passed away in death. ; also a host of cousins and friends at The Central Ridge Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.