Continuing The Celebration For

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Life’s Journey

Anderson Joseph Thomas went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 24, 2023 at the age of 85. He put up a fight all the way to end. The carefree, generous, compassionate, gentle Giant will truly be missed.

Anderson was born to Joseph Thomas, Sr. and Melina Charles Thomas on November 22,1937 in Port Barre, Louisiana. He grew up in Opelousas, Louisiana and in 1968 he moved to Houston, Texas where he met Lozell Marie Evans. They became a union on June 27, 1970.

For 50 plus years, Anderson was a dedicated member of St. Peter’s the Apostle Church where he also served as an Usher and was a faithful servant of the Knights of Peter Claver Council #238. He wore many hats at the church and in the community, such as being a part of the Cooking Ministry during Lent Season, the Men’s Choir, the Hospitality committee, assisted serving on various committees including the yearly church bazaars as the Barbecue Pit Master. He did private carpentry and cement work for the church, his home and others.

Anderson worked as a Cement Finisher/Mason for over 30 years with various construction companies. He was a part of some major construction projects that are now considered historic landmarks and buildings here in Houston. The Astrodome, Astroworld, Transco Towers, Texas Commerce Bank Downtown, the expansion of the Budweiser plant and too many others to name.

Anderson aka AJ not only was a father to his children, but he was a father to some of the kids in the neighborhood and at the church. Friends and colleagues referred to him as Unc, confidant, neighbor, Papa and the list goes on and on. If you truly knew him, you know he had a love for hats, boots, Crown Royal (in the purple bag of course) and his favorite spots the Turning Point (TP), Speak Easy and Club Reminisce.

Anderson was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Thomas Sr. and Melina Charles Thomas; his wife Lozell Marie Thomas; two sisters Gustavia Thomas Auzenne and Bertha Payne; three brothers Vincent Thomas, Joseph Thomas Jr., and Herman Joseph Thomas Sr.; a daughter Francella Thomas; a son Anderson Williams, two granddaughters Squalato Ifill and Andrea Williams; three brothers-in-law Darrell Evans, Wilton Hunt and Antoine Payne Sr.; and a niece Stacie Renee Thomas.

He leaves to mourn 4 daughters. Laura Ann Lazard and Vanessa Thomas of Opelousas, LA, Sharina (Charles) Taylor of Midway, GA, and Catrece Monique Thomas of (Houston, TX). Two sisters Beulah (Larry) Joseph and Mary Lou Hunt of (Opelousas, LA). One brother Alton Thomas. Godmother Valentine Charles Bell. Three brothers-in-law Milton Auzenne, Myron Evans Sr., and Raymond Evans Sr.. Four sisters-in-law Anna Lee Davis, Tina Thomas, Carolyn Woods, and Gloria Thomas. 24 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.