Dr. Shirley Temple Thomas

DR. EVANG. SHIRLEY ELZEY-THOMAS

Shirley Elzey Thomas was born on March 24, 1940, in Nettleton Mississippi to Maria Trice Brown and Cleveland Buchanan.

She came to know God as her savior at an early age and was a member of many local churches where she sang, played the organ and piano also directed the choirs. Shirley was ordained as a Minister at Emmanuel COGIC under the leadership of Apostle Willie O. Coates. She was the very 1st Black Woman Asst. Pastor of Macedonia MB Church under the leadership of Pastor FD Johnson. Dr. Shirley Thomas was a member of Greater New Jerusalem MB Church under the leadership of Pastor Lonell Hudson where she was the minister of music.

Dr. Shirley Elzey-Thomas achieved many accomplishments through the ministry. She also pastored her own church, New Greater Harvest Church of Faith & Deliverance for several years. She obtained her Doctorate and Master of Divinity at Rockville University. She received many awards and recognition throughout the Michiana area for her work in the ministry. She established many women’s groups such as Daughter’s of Destiny and Women of Worship to name a few. She had a passion for caring and loving people, she also loved doing the work of the ministry and seeing souls saved and lives changed through Christ. Dr. Shirley Elzey-Thomas was a prayer warrior and prayed for any and everybody it didn’t matter who they were, and God delivered them.

Dr. Shirley Elzey-Thomas was an only child. She raised all her children in the fear and admiration of God, and they are her greatest accomplishments. Through her, her family has flourished throughout the years. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her children, MBA Shirley (John Chase(deceased)) Chism, Rev. Charlie (Sheila) Easton Jr., Apostle Sabrina D. Easton. Her grandchildren Crystal (Joe) Dansby, Shirelle Jacome, Sheenah Jenkins, D’Angelo Jenkins, Charlie Easton III, Rodne Easton, Rashad (Amy) Easton, Shirley (Dawon) Hatchett. The children of Richard Elzey Sr. And Dr. Shirley Elzey-Thomas, Darlene, Josie, Peggy, Kimberly, Arnissa, Shakira, Paul (Britney), Dante, Bryan, Cory and Richard (Michelle) Elzey Jr. A host of other Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great-Great Grandchildren. Many spiritual Sons and Daughters and a special friend Pastor Leroy Thompson.

She was proceeded in death by her Mother Maria Brown, Aunt Lovee McNary, Uncles Benjamin and Warren Trice, Son John Chase Chism, Granddaughter Clarissa Chism, Grandsons Demetri Buchanan and Daale Rhay Elzey, Daughters Annie Smith and Staci Elzey, and Richard Elzey Sr. Services will be at Progressive MB Church, 1232 E. Bronson, South Bend, IN. 46615 on Saturday February 22nd, 2025. Viewing will begin at 10am and service will begin promptly at 11am.

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