BELOVED PASTOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER, DR. FREDDIE L. THOMAS PASSES AT THE AGE OF 90
Hundreds attended a two-day service honoring the life, legacy, and service of beloved pastor and community leader, Dr. Freddie Louis Thomas Sr. The memorial service and public viewing was held Friday, July 5, 2024, at Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God In Christ and concluded with funeral services on Saturday, July 6, at Saint Peter Restoration Community Christian Ministries.
By Darlene L. Williams | Contributing Writer
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF— Hundreds attended a two-day service honoring the life, legacy, and service of beloved pastor and community leader, Dr. Freddie Louis Thomas Sr. The memorial service and public viewing was held Friday, July 5, 2024, at Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God In Christ and concluded with funeral services on Saturday, July 6, at Saint Peter Restoration Community Christian Ministries.
Thomas was born April 12, 1934 in Marshall, Texas to parents, Joseph and Jimmie Thomas. The family relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1941. Thomas received his early educational experience in Baldwin Heights, CA. He later moved to Bakersfield and graduated from Bakersfield High School. Thomas died on June 19, 2024. He was 90-years old.
Several local dignitaries including, Mayor Karen Goh, and representatives from the offices of Senators Shannon Grove, David Valadao, Leticia Perez, and Council Members Eric Arias and Andrea Gonzalez were in attendance and gave words about Dr. Thomas; a man they all seemed to know personally and respected equally.
After reciting a biblical scripture, Mayor Goh compared the character of Thomas to that of The Prophet Isaiah as being a” restorer and feeder of the hungry”.
The celebration service for Thomas was indicative of the kind of atmosphere he was a part of for so many years. The “spirit-filled” service included jubilant songs of praise and worship, hand-clapping, words of comfort and expressions of love.
Thomas was employed by Edwards Air Force Base where he worked in construction. While employed, he attended classes to obtain a contractor license. After receiving a degree in architecture, he accepted a position with the City of Bakersfield Community Development Program.
Thomas’ architectural prowess would be showcased in building, constructing, restoring and renovating homes. He later accepted a supervising position for Kern County Housing Authority. Subsequently, Dr. Thomas was inspired to start his own construction company, T&T Construction Company.
Thomas’ impressive and extensive history was surrounded by acts of servitude both in the church and community he served for over 50 years.
His spiritual journey began early in his life when he accepted Jesus Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Freddie, as he was passionately called, answered “the voice of God calling him into full-time ministry” in 1965. His humble beginnings started in the garage of a “saintly mother” and later expanded
and moved to its current location at 924 South Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. The church continued to grow under the direction and visionary leadership of Pastor Thomas.
“My father met no strangers, said daughter, Debra Hodges. He showed up for all school events and would apologize to his children when he felt that he was wrong. That’s the kind of man he was”, she said.
Many spoke about the character of Thomas and his smile that “lit up the world” as his daughter stated.
Dr. Thomas continued his passion for learning and knowledge in Biblical Studies by attending The International Bible seminary in Orlando, Florida graduating with a Master of Theology degree.
He attended Bible College under the tutelage of the late, Dr. Eddie V. McGee. Subsequently, Thomas received a ‘Doctor of Divinity’ through Summit Bible College where he would later serve as a board member and admired colleague.
Thomas served in various capacities of service, including a mentor for young men as a Buffalo Soldier Leader, community spokesman, Coach and mentor for the AYSO youth soccer league. He was instrumental in organizing food drives and giveaways to all those in need.
Thomas leaves to cherish his memory: wife of 40 years, Dr. Dorothy M. Kemp-Thomas; (5) sons; (2) daughters; (2) brothers, a spiritual daughter, (27) grandchildren, (14) great-grandchildren, Jerusalem Mission Community Church Family, and a host of extended family and friends.
