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1937
Terry
2026
Terry Booker Thomas Jr.
Dec 26, 1937 — Apr 21, 2026
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Terry B. Thomas on April 21, 2026, at the age of 88. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, mentor, colleague, and friend. Terry was born on December 26, 1937, in Monroe County, Mississippi, and spent his childhood and adolescent years in Alabama. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and a graduate of Ullman High School in Birmingham. He later enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in Alaska and Panama in a technical capacity before receiving an honorable discharge. Terry placed a high value on education and continued to advance his knowledge throughout his life. He pursued advanced studies in several disciplines, including an MBA and a doctorate. Those achievements supported a distinguished career in healthcare administration, long-term care, emergency management, community advocacy, and public service. Terry’s career included several roles with the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, followed by leadership positions in the District of Columbia government and healthcare administration. He served as Executive Director of D.C. Village, worked in health policy, and later served with the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. His public service also extended to emergency preparedness and disaster response, including involvement in the District’s response during Hurricane Katrina. Terry contributed extensively to civic and community affairs, lending his leadership and support to organizations focused on healthcare, education, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. He served on boards and advisory groups connected to Greater Southeast Community Hospital, East of the River economic development initiatives, Ward 8 community planning efforts, and other organizations dedicated to strengthening Southeast Washington and expanding opportunities for its residents. He served on the Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia during the early years of WDCU Radio, affectionately known as "Jazz 90." Throughout his career and community service, he remained committed to strengthening institutions, expanding opportunity, and helping others advance in their careers, including employees who began in entry-level roles and later moved on to supervisory and management positions. Terry appreciated music, especially jazz and blues. He was a frequent attendee of the Friday Jazz and Monday Blues programs at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Southwest Washington, DC. He was also an avid fisherman, happiest on the waters of the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf Coast. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, T.B. Thomas and Ella Jane Thomas; and brothers, Sylvester Thomas, Herbert Thomas, and Kelvin Thomas. He is survived by his devoted spouse, Sheilah Thomas; his children, Stephanie and Gregory Thomas (from his first marriage to Odessa Thomas); his siblings, Cora Williams, Lorenza Thomas, Peggy Thomas Cockrell, and Evonne Thomas; his play-sister, Sheri Milan, and a host of nephews, nieces, extended family members, colleagues, friends, and others whose lives were enriched by knowing him. A memorial service will be held at Lee Funeral Home on May 8, 2026. Public viewing will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Terry will be laid to rest at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623.Terry will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his commitment to education, his love of music and fishing, and the guidance he provided to family, friends, colleagues, and those whose careers he helped shape.
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Public Viewing
Friday, May 8, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Lee Funeral Home Inc
Funeral Service
Friday, May 8, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Lee Funeral Home Inc
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