Berkline Barbara (Johnson) Thomas (Age 81) of Newburg, Maryland.

On Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, Berkline Thomas peacefully transitioned to eternal rest.

Berkline Barbara Thomas, a native of Charles County, Maryland, was born March 19, 1936 to the late Evangelist Ophelia M. and Mathew Johnson, Sr.  She is the eldest of four children, brother, Mathew Jack (Bubba) Jr. (deceased) and sisters, Hilda Ford, Jacqueline Edelen (deceased) and covenant sister, Victoria (Vicky) Cooper.

Sister Thomas obtained her education within the Charles County, Maryland public school system.  She married at the age of 18 to the late PO James N. Thomas.  Sister Thomas living legacies are seven children, James N. Thomas, Jr. (deceased), Darnell A. Thomas, Patricia E. Thomas, Tony Thomas (deceased), Christine V. Hicks, Kimberly D. Lawson, Angela M. Thomas and covenant daughter, Sonja L. Mahoney. 12 grandchildren, Shadonna Hemsley, Tiffany Hemsley, Takeya Thomas, Takeshia Thomas, Brandon Dorsey, Adrian Dorsey, Nooke' Dorsey, TeShuana LA. Thomas, Joseph L. Duckett, Jr, Ezekiel J. Thomas, Thomas S. Young, Jr. and Eric I. Young.  17 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild.

In her professional career, Sister Thomas blazed a trail in the realm of hospitality and care services.  She received her professional Certificate in Culinary and Food Service Management from Northern Virginia College.  Using her gifts, she had the opportunity to serve several prominent families in Northern Virginia and Maryland including well establish businessman Howard Norris of LaPlata, Maryland and United States Press Secretary, James Brady and his wife Sarah Brady.  Her attention to care and details allowed her to remain on this assignment for many years and she became an influential care giver to the Bardy's son, Scott Brady.   It was during this time that Sister Thomas yielded to her calling to minister to the community through outreach by providing food and clothing to several homeless individuals and families as well as shelters across the Virginia Region.

Her family has always been a family of faith and believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  As a young girl, Sister Thomas gave her life to Christ and her mother, Evangelist Ophelia, spoke into her life as it pertained to her faith just as the Apostle Paul spoke into Timothy's life.  After being Baptized at Antioch Baptist Church located in Washington, DC in 1978, Her ministry began as a Lay Servant at Shiloh Community under the leadership of Pastor James Diggs in the early 1990's. Sister Thomas served on numerous committees and outreach ministries including the Usher Board, Way and Means Committee, Gospel Travelers, Hospitality Committee, Shiloh's Choirs as well as served as President of the United Methods Women. Until recently, she faithfully attended bible study 101.

Sister Thomas was loved for her fried chicken, potato salad, and collard greens.  What she enjoyed most was playing cards with her neighbors and cheering for the Washington Redskins. She like taking long drives with her family and you often found her praying for her family and friends.  Her favored song was "He Touched Me" and her favored scriptures were Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:31 and Luke 8:43-48.

I'm sure we can hear Sister Thomas shouted unto the Lord "Glory Hallelujah glory hallelujah" in heaven.  Selah and Shalom….

Viewing, 9:00 am until 10:00 am, service at 10:30 am, Shiloh Community United Methodist Church, 12705 Shiloh Church Road, Newburg, Maryland 20664.

Interment, Maryland Veteran Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.