Lannie Ruth Thomas

Ms. Lannie R. Thomas, Age 85, earned her wings on March 5, 2026 and went on to her eternal home.

Born the daughter of Pansy and Grover McCormick on June 10, 1940, in the City of Camden, South Carolina.

Lannie was a graduate of Central High School located in Newark, NJ. First studying to be a radiologic technologist she decided she was more interested in pursuing a nursing career.

At Essex County College she completed the LPN and RN Programs, which resulted in her nursing employment at Martland Medical Center now named University Hospital in Newark, NJ. She admirably advanced to become the Clinical Nurse Manager of the Pulmonary Clinic overseeing community nursing for tuberculosis patients for over 20 years.

During Lannie’s tenure at University Hospital, she was inspired to forge ahead and went on to complete a Theological Bachelor’s Degree at Eastern Bible Institute in Irvington, NJ. It was evident that Lannie had a yearning to serve the Lord and followed her calling. At St. Johns Baptist Church in Scotch Plains, NJ, Lannie first served as Sunday School Teacher, working on the Nursing Ministry, became a missionary and an evangelist. Under the guidance of the late Bishop Kelmo C. Porter she became a minister. After retiring from University Hospital and moving to Palm Coast, Florida she was further ordained “Reverend Lannie R. Thomas,” at First A.M.E. Church in Palm Coast, Florida by Reverend Gillard S. Glover, where she served on the ministerial staff, Church Steward, Class Leader and Outreach Ministry. Later, at Daytona State College Lannie accepted and carried out the position of Professor of the CNA Nursing Program.

Rev. Lannie R. Thomas was predeceased by her parents, Grover, Pansy and bonus father Frank Smith as well as her loving husband, the late Edward Thomas.

Left in the sunshine of life to forever cherish her memories are her two daughters, Nicole McGlown and Shombai McGlown Malone, her bonus children Judy, Vance, Chet, Kirk, Scott, and Dwayne; Three grandchildren, Silke, Barry, Jr. and Shaaf-Khatim; Brother, Richard McCormick (Joanna); Sister, Alice F. Richards; Sister, Lyda D. Singleton. Rev. Lannie also leaves behind a host of bonus grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The service will be livestreamed on the church's Facebook page and YouTube page.

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