Elisha C. Thomas

Elisha “Eli” grew up in Edmondson, Arkansas. As a child he attended Wedlock Elementary school and graduated from West Memphis High School where he played football for the West Memphis Blue Devils.  He enlisted into the United State Marine Corp after graduation on August 10, 1977, two months before his 19th birthday.  He enlisted into the military as USMC-LCPL  where he achieved a certificate of Physical Achievement Club, Certificate of Corrections, and Promotion to Lance Corporal, Diploma of Military Police Training Course, and Certificate of Rifle Expert Badge during his military tenure. Mr. Thomas was stationed in San Diego, California where he remained until his death.   Eli loved the sandy beaches of California.  Minister Elisha Christopher Thomas 63, answered the Lord’s call “Solider” come home on Monday, May 30, 2022 at Sharp Hospice Care in Bonita CA.  He entered this world on October 11, 1958 in Heth, Ark. He was the sixth child born to Ivory and Emily Thomas.

Elisha was raised to always put God first.  Adhering to his teaching, Elisha re-dedicated his life to the Lord and received his minister license on October 31, 2020.   He was a member of Military Outreach Ministries International Church where he loved sharing the word of God by preaching, teaching bible study, men ministry and talking with his family and friends. He was the leader of the Men of Valor at his church.  He was the owner of Precision Painting and worked as a Security Guard. Elisha loved spending time with family and friends.  His main passion was enjoying time on the beach, visiting his family across the United States and talking about the good old days and giving advice to all your problems; which often included a good fish taco.

He was preceded in death by both parents; Ivory and Emily Thomas, three brothers; Ivory Jr., Larry James and Jeffery Delano Thomas; One sister, Lottie Mae Reed; Two stepchildren; Carletta and Carl Williams; Four nephews, Corey L. Coleman, Marvin L. Thomas, Corey R. Anderson and Jo’vontae Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memory; three sons, Christopher Foster of Rockford, IL, Elisha C. Thomas(Goretty), Jr. of Long Beach, CA and Michael Thomas of San Clemente, CA; three stepsons, Mario(Tracy) Williams of Rockford, IL, Marcus Williams of Shawnee, IL, Roland(Kelly) Jackson of San Diego, CA; three grandchildren; Ezekiel, Maddex, and Maverick; one brother; Edward C. Thomas of Dallas, TX.; four sisters; Judy(Earl) Brown and Irene(Willie) Henderson of Rockford, IL, Vel Ojugbele of Springfield, IL and Iona(Rudolph) Bowers of Leesburg, FL; Special friend; April Jackson of Bonita, Ca., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

May Elisha “Eli” live on in the hearts and minds of all who love and missed him through our memories of the good times, great times, and even the rough road times, that we shared with him.  He  will be greatly missed.  “I’m Solider in the Army of the Lord!”

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