Thomas, Leo Sylvester (Age 97) of Nanjemoy, Maryland

Leo Sylvester Thomas departed his life on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in LaPlata, Maryland.

He was born January 23, 1918 to the late Oliver Thomas and the late Irene Carroll Thomas. He was educated in the Charles County Public School System, entered military service February 18, 1942, and served honorably for five years in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Saipan, Mariana Islands, a commonwealth of the United States and was honorably discharged in 1947.

Leo was employed with the Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, Maryland for 32 years. After retiring, he was employed with the Charles County School District for seven (7) years.

Leo committed his life to Christ at an early age and joined the Mount Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He was church trustee, served as deacon, and was the church's faithful and dedicated treasurer for over 30 years. At a time when modern technology was not available to assist in calculating and managing the church's financial records, Leo would spend hours counting money and ensuring that the church's finances were accurate and in order.

Leo was married to the love of his life, the late Olene Jackson Thomas, for over 60 years. The doors of the loving pair's home were always open for anyone to come and enjoy a delicious meal, including Papa's "famous baked beans", to spend holidays, or to stay for long-term or short-term lodging. His favorite things to do were reading the Bible and listening to spirituals on Sunday morning.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Olene; brother, Clyde Thomas and sister, Arlene Price; his aunt, Bernetta Smith; and his cousin and best friend, Rudolph "Hick" Datcher.

He is survived by a son, James Thomas; a daughter-in-law, Beatrice Thomas; and adopted daughter, Edna Proctor (Anthony); two adopted sons, James Jackson (Ardell) and Lloyd Jackson (Penny); five granddaughters, Christina Thomas, Courtney Proctor, Penae' Jackson, Shemika Carroll, and Tylese Carroll; six grandsons, Mark Parson, Anthony (Tony) Proctor, Jr., Lloyd Jackson, Jr., Glen Carroll, Paul Harley, and Jerry Harley; an uncle, Morris Carroll; a brother-in-law, Henry "Van Dyke" Lewis; dear friends, Eunice Close and her son, William (Billy) Close; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Viewing, 10am until time of Service 11am, Friday, July 17, 2015 at Mt. Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 8705 Gilroy Road, Nanjemoy, MD. Interment, Church Cemetery.