Maurice Warner Thrash was called to eternal rest on October 27, 2016. He was the oldest of five children born to the late Frederick Douglas Thrash and the late Mozelle Louise Young Thrash in Hogansville, Georgia. Maurice took great pride in sharing stories with his younger siblings about his early childhood that they did not know or could not remember. He started his Christian journey at St. Mary Methodist Church in Hogansville, Ga. at an early age. Maurice was a sports enthusiast but basketball was his favorite sport. He played on a State basketball championship team during his senior year in high school. After graduating from West End High School in 1955 as Valedictorian of his class, he attended Clark College. There he studied under the head of the Math Dept., Dr. Joseph J. Dennis. Because of academic excellence, Maurice was exempt from taking some of the required math classes and was awarded a Methodist Scholarship. While a student at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, Maurice worshipped at Central Methodist Church and made Central his new church home. Over the years, he became actively involved in many ministries. Daily prayer, Bible study, sharing God’s love and his commitment to serve others are four principles that guided Maurice’s life. Throughout his life he demonstrated these values by serving faithfully in many ways both in the church and in the community. With a servant’s heart and that signature smile, Maurice served in the following ministries and organizations at Central; president of the H. H. Backstrom Club, United Methodist Men, Finance Committee, Chair of Trustee Board, Central Methodist Gardens Board, Food Pantry, McMillan Choir, Cathedral Choir, Male Chorus and Bridging the Gap. He participated in many Bible Study classes as well as Sunday School. In the community, he coached Little League baseball for many years, served as a mentor to troubled boys at the Southwest Atlanta Youth Development Center, and volunteered when called upon in Atlanta Public Schools. Employed by the US Postal Service for more than 30 years, Maurice retired from the position of Claims and Inquiry Supervisor in 1993. He also served his country by enlisting in the Army in December 1959. He was honorably discharged on October 31, 1965.
He was wed to the late Deloris Jeraldine Cotton in 1959 and they were blessed with two wonderful children; Veronica Yolanda and Ronald Maurice. On February 15, 1998, he married a member of the Central family, Sherole Brown Alexander. Spending time with his grand children was one of the greatest joys of Maurice’s life. He loved to be present at any activity in which they were involved. He and Sherole enjoyed taking them on family outings or just having them over for dinner.
Maurice will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. Wonderful memories of him will forever be etched in the hearts of his wife, Sherole; his daughter, Veronica (Calvin, Sr.); his son, Ronald (Kendra); his brother, Douglas (Bernice); his sister, Sandra (Orlando); his sister, Agatha (Quenon); the grand children: Phillip, Deonte, and Calvin II Jordan; Jayla, Jasmyn, Jason, and Kalyn Thrash; nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins, church family and many friends.