Lois Ann Thomas was born on Jan. 19, 1942, in Manhattan, N.Y., to Ricardo and Virginia Thomas; she was the third of four children. Lois attended Cathedral High School in New York and went on to attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., receiving a bachelor of arts degree.
Lois then relocated to St. Croix in 1965 where she was employed by the V.I. Department of Human Services. In 1971, she earned her master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University. Lois was also very active in the community; she was a member and also served as president of Business and Professional Women (BPW), member of The Toastmasters Club and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Lois leaves to celebrate her life her sons: Alaric Gardine and Aaron Maynard; daughter-in-law, Sherry Gardine; grandchildren: Kendis Gardine, Jayla Maynard, Micah Barnaby, Ele Barnaby and Amarah Barnaby; brother, Ricardo Thomas (Sylvia); and sisters: Gloria Samuel (Danny) and Gwendalyn Thomas Steed.
She is also survived by nieces: Deidre Samuel, Tonya Samuel, Therese Samuel, Samarrah Thomas and Brett Vincent (Michael); nephew, Joseph Steed; close relatives: Denise and Walter Redman, Christl Strachen and Sandra Martin; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
There will be a church viewing held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health regulations, all attendees must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
