Caring More When You Need Us The Most

Obituaries » Autrice L. Thomas

Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.

Show Obituaries Show Guestbook Show Photos QR Code Print

Autrice L. Thomas

June 10, 1937 - October 2, 2019

Burial Date October 12, 2019

Family and friends may attend the graveside service scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall Park Cemetery, 8049 Brannon Ave, Clarksburg, WV

Obituary Viewed 4306 times

Share your Memorial with Family & Friends

Autrice Thomas was born June 10, 1937 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. She was the youngest daughter of the late John Wilber Martin and Welba Lee Martin. Her entire lifetime she resided in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where she successfully navigated life and worked diligently to positively impact the lives of others.

 

Autrice attended Kelly Miller High School in Clarksburg, where she graduated in the class of 1955. Autrice was busily involved in high school, and she continued to be active with the Kelly Miller Reunion and the Kelly Miller Foundation over the years.

 

After graduation from high school, Autrice was employed in various capacities with several employers in Clarksburg including United Hospital Center, J.C. Penney, and Maidenform. And, in 1973, Autrice entered her most tenured employment with Dominion Hope, now known as Dominion Energy West Virginia, the nation’s largest producer and transporter of energy.

 

Autrice attended classes at Salem College, Fairmont State University, and West Virginia University. At West Virginia University, she completed the Institute for Labor Studies certification.

 

An accomplished pianist, Autrice could be found playing the piano and organ at many churches throughout the Clarksburg area for many years.

 

Autrice spent a lifetime of commitment of over fifty years to social justice, change, community service, and philanthropic grass-roots initiatives throughout Harrison County. Over the years she was active as a union steward for LGWA Local 16 and was connected to the community.

 

Autrice held various offices in community service endeavors, including Vice President in the Harrison County NAACP, member of the Committee on Political Education (COPE), founding member and Board Member to the Gerrard Berman Scholarship Foundation, and member of the Board of Directors for the Clarksburg Art Center. For many years Autrice served as a member on the City of Clarksburg Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

Autrice was a recipient of the Gerrard Berman Award. She was also honored by being asked to serve as the queen of the 2004 Black Heritage Festival.

 

After a lifetime of service, care, and love for others, Autrice went to be with the Lord on October 2, 2019. She is preceded in death by her son, Anthony Verdell Thomas; two sisters: Ina Louise Meade and Cora Mae Hammond; one brother: John Kessler Martin. She is survived by one sister, Lillian McClure Smith of Crofton, MD; two brothers: William Cardwell Martin of Rockville, MD and Edward Verdell Martin (wife, Linda) of Clarksburg, WV. She was an aunt, great-aunt and a great-great-aunt to many who will miss her strong, loving presence.

 

Family and friends may attend the graveside service scheduled for Saturday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Stonewall Park Cemetery, 8049 Brannon Ave, Clarksburg, WV.

 

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Clarksburg Mission, 312 North 4th Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301

 

Our family sincerely thanks River Oaks staff and the WVU Medical Home Health and Hospice staff and volunteers for the love and care provided to our loved one.

Powered by: