Genaver Thomas Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Celebrating Her Spirit Genaver Thomas was born on October 22, 1923 in Selma, Alabama to the union of Walter and Sallie (Holmes ) Howard. She departed this life on May 1, 2019, surrounded by the love of her family, into the arms of The Lord. Genaver grew up on the farm in Selma, AL with her five siblings. She moved from Selma to Cincinnati with her family as a young woman. She was first blessed with a daughter, Louise Smith, from her union with her child-hood sweetheart Charlie Thomas. Her marriage to James Virgil Powell blessed the couple with Buddy and Essie. Years later, Genaver married Mr. Thomas and became a loving step-mother to Charline Smith, Eugene Thomas and Yvonne Fields, all of Detroit, MI. Although Genaver never worked outside of the home, she was a devoted caregiver for family and friends. She was rewarded with countless “blessings” for her willingness to step forward and care for others as part of her ministry. She was dearly loved for her strong, sassy personality and admired for her unwavering faith in The Lord. Genaver was a long-standing member of Greater Goldengate Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member for all her adult life. She was an excellent cook and every soul-food dish that came from her kitchen was “homemade” greens, cornbread, salmon croquettes...she did it all. Genaver also loved to watch her favorite television shows and to walk for her exercise. She could walk up and down steps with ease well into her 90s due to the exercise she got growing up on the farm. Genaver was preceded in death by her husband Charlie Thomas, her daughter, Louise Smith; step-daughter Charline Smith; her four siblings, Jabbo, Katie Mae, Willy, Janie and Clifford. Her loving spirit will forever be remembered by her son, Buddy James McNeal Jr; her daughter, Essie Anna Carr ; her sister, Lillie Turnbolt; step-children, Eugene Thomas and Yvonne Fields, all of Detroit, MI. ; her oldest Grandchildren, Gary D. Howard, Clarence Thomas, Nathan Smith, Gregory Smith, Buddy Jr., Toshua (Frenchie) Napier, Tina (Derrick) Davis, Tracey (Rodney) Samuels, Dexter Randy Carr, Adrian Carr; a host of five generations of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Genaver Thomas

October 22, 1923 - May 1, 2019