Vernon Carver Thomas

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. [2 Timothy 4:7] Vernon fought a 22-year battle against cancer. However, he maintained his faith in God throughout his long illness and various treatments. He had a positive attitude and was a role model for others. We can find comfort in knowing that our Lord the righteous judge will award him the crown of righteousness. [2 Timothy 4:8]

Vernon was the last-born child of Chauncey Thomas and Lillian Rose Thomas of Amherst, Virginia. He grew up on his grandfather's 107-acre farm on Puppy Creek Road and attended its two-room school. He went on to Amherst County High School and graduated in June 1962. He joined the Piney Grove Baptist Church, where his mother was the church clerk, and his father was an active member. Vernon was active in the Sunday School and the youth activities. Vernon was popular with his peers and beloved by the adults.

After graduation, he joined his older brother Wellons (affectionately called Peck or Tommy) in Hartford, Connecticut, where he had a job waiting for him. His sisters: Dolores. Alicia, and Linda had all migrated to New York. When Vernon arrived from the train station, they were all waiting for him and showered him with hugs, kisses, and money.

While in Hartford he met his wife, the former Ernestine (Tina) Broughton. They decided to move to Oakland, California, in 1969, where Vernon's brother Alvin had settled. Vernon and Tina bought a house on Sunkist Drive in the Oakland Hills, where they raised their two children, Darryl and Dana. Vernon was employed by International Harvester Company, Alameda Transit Authority and later by Alameda County Medical Center. Vernon was a skilled workman and did many odd jobs to supplement their income.

Vernon is survived by his daughters: Dana Thomas-White of Oakland, California and Trina Kinney of Milothian, Virginia; his son: Darryl Broughton Sr.; his former wife: Tina Thomas; grandchildren: Kaylan Jacobs (Anthony Jacobs); Austin White; Curtis Leroy Epes Jr.; Gilbert Darnell Busby; Jada Broughton; Darryl Broughton, Jr; six great grandchildren: Ahki Joshua, Chenoa Lynn, Kiko, Katora, Kaido, Nor'e Darnell White; one sister: Dolores Thomas Garrett of Beacon, New York; one aunt: Mildred Rose of Amherst, Virginia; one sister-in-law: Jean Broughton; one special niece: Glenda Thomas Hayes (Gregory) of Framington, Massachusetts; numerous nieces and nephews; and a plethora of cousins and friends. He was pre-deceased by three brothers: Wellons, Dillard, and Alvin; and two sisters: Alicia Harris and Linda Thompson. son-in-law: Darnell White. Vernon was a person who never met a stranger. He made friends wherever he ventured. We who remain will miss our greatly beloved Vernon, but we have been blessed to have had him in our lives. That thought should give us solace. "..whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." [Philippians 4:8]

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