Johnson Thomas, Sr. was born November 15, 1944 in Lee County, South Carolina, a son of the late Fred Thomas, Sr. and Sally Mae Williams-Thomas. He was the second child of eleven children of his parents' union. He was educated in Lee County Public Schools and in the early 1960's he moved to Washington, DC in pursuit of a better life. He found just that when he was reunited with a childhood friend who became the love of his life in 1967. In 1972, Johnson married Maggie Mae Graham and out of that union three children became his pride and joy. Elder Thomas embraced Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost on February 13, 1973. His service in Christ ranged from dependable member to dedicated superintendent to devoted deacon of Holy Trinity Church of Washington, DC #2 where he served faithfully. Since his initial service in the Holy Trinity Church Federation, he was anointed and appointed by God into the Ministerial capacity in 1990. He was ordained in 1992 where he served as Assistant Pastor of Holy Trinity Church of St. Stephen, South Carolina and Presiding Elder of the Southern District until 2003. Then he was installed as Pastor and became a Governing Board and Counsel Board Member. He continued to serve in the latter three positions until his recent passing. God called him home on October 17, 2010, and he transitioned peacefully. Elder Thomas, affectionately known as "Cowboy", was always seeking improved provisions for his family, and in 1980 he relocated the family to South Carolina. His jovial demeanor and smiling face was infectious, and he exemplified strength and determination to serve the Lord. He dedicated himself to God's service and always encouraged others to do the same. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 43 years, Maggie; three children, Dianne Graham (Washington, DC), Johnson Thomas, Jr. (Fort Washington, MD), and Joyce Ann Thomas (Casselberry, FL); seven grandchildren: Natasha, Nathaniel, Le'Tuandia, Katarina, Shantell, Jasmine, and Johnson De'Andre, III. He also leaves to cherish his memory ten siblings: Fred Thomas, Fannie Johnson (Freddie), Claretha Best (Jerome), Enzil Tabor (Michael), Sally Ann Briggs (Johnny), Roosevelt Thomas, Sylvia Thomas, Viola Cousin (Henry), Ruth Thomas, and Ruby Briggs (Jimmy); an aunt, Amy Mae Shaw; seven sisters-in-law, Renell Demonia, Hannah Graham, Louise Burgess, Betty Williams (Alphonso), Retha Graham, Lillian McCloud, Jannie M. Graham and a host of other relatives and innumerable close friends.