Rev. Doris A. Thomas

Funeral Service Live Stream Information Below:

https://zoom.us/j/8067303449?pwd=NjVmMmErdXFwWmlBSDlhTlFyRngxQT09&omn=93216069492

Meeting ID: 806 730 3449
Passcode: 6420826

Doris A. Bryant Thomas, the fourth child of the late Theodore and Amelia Hobbs Bryant , was born on September 6, 1933 in Somerville, NJ.  Doris, along with her sisters, Mozelle and Bernice Bryant were reared as “preacher’s kids” in the home of her paternal grandparents, the late Rev. Erious and Annis Bryant.  Her sister, Juanita Byant passed away as a child. 

Doris was educated in the elementary schools in Bridgewater Township, NJ and graduated from Somerville High School in 1951.  Having a desire to serve others, Doris attended Nursing School and graduated in 1954 from Martland Medical Center in Newark, NJ.  She passed the NJ State Board of Examinations and received her Registered Nurse Degree.  Doris worked for many years at the Health Department in Newark, and after relocating to Ocean County, worked many years at the Ocean County Health Department, Toms River, before retiring, 

Soon after completing Nursing School in 1954, Doris married the late Cleo Branch, and they had one son, Rodney K. Branch in 1956.  In 1965, James Hardy, her husband’s nephew, joined the family and was reared as a son.  After her husband’s death, Doris later married the late Lawrence E. Thomas.

Now Doris A. Thomas, having been called to preach, was licensed by Presiding Elder, James W. Waters on September 26, 1976.  Rev. Thomas was ordained Deacon on April 28, 1979, and itinerant Elder on April 25, 1981.  In 1980 she began surveying the area of Manchester in hopes of establishing a church.  Rev. Thomas as appointed pastor of New Work Manchester and New Jersey Coordinator – Women in Ministry- on April 23, 1983.  In April 1985 the doors of the Ketz Funeral Home in Dover Township were opened to the New Work Church.  On May 5, 1985 the name of the Church was changed from New Work to Righteous Branch.  They would hold worship services at the Ketz Funeral Home, the O.C.A.W. Union Hall, in Rev. Thomas’ home until 1994 when the property on Whitesville Road, Manchester was purchased (the name of the church was changed to St. Thomas just prior to purchase) and St. Thomas A.M.E. Church was founded by Rev. Thomas 1994, where she continued to pastor until her retirement in 2001.

Rev. Thomas was a dedicated and proud member for many years of Octavia Washington Temple #868 of the Improved, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World (I.B.P.O.E. of W.), Lakewood, NJ.  She received her Past Grand Daughter Ruler Degree (the highest degree in Elkdom) and held the position of Chaplain for many years.

Rev. Doris was predeceased by her two sisters, Juanita Brant and Bernice Bryant Jones.  She leaves to cherish her memory, one son, Rodney K. Branch, Toms River, NJ; one sister, Rev. Mozelle Fleming, Spring Lake, NJ; a dear friend and colleague, Brenda Taylor, Toms River, NJ; a dear friend, Katrina Walker, Manchester, NJ; many dear and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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