"My Life Story"

The Beginning

I was born on Sunday, July 5, 1925, in Ewing Town, just north of Church Hill, Maryland.  My parents were William E. Thomas and Blanche Rebecca (Wilson) Thomas.  There was a total of 4 children in this family.  My oldest sister Catherine moved to Philly and spent the remainder of her life there.  My baby sister was Darby.  She lived in Queen Annes County all her life.  My baby brother was Wayne.  He did military service in the Marines where he specialized in transmissions.  After he returned home, he worked for Henry and Mabel Satterfield, as a mechanic.  When they retired Wayne bought their garage and named it, "Midway Automatics" transmission shop, in Browns Corner, just north of Centreville.

My Early Christian Education

My family and I attended church at Mt. Vernon Methodist Church (Salem).  Rev. Edward H. Jackson was the Pastor.  My father and mother were very active in church.  In fact, they were two of the founding members.

In the community and school

I attended elementary school in Ewing Town.  From there I attended Kennard High School.  After completing the 11th grade (there was no 12th grade), I graduated in 1942.  Mr. Larry S. Jones was the principal.  Some of the teachers who shaped and molded me were:  Miss Dorothy L. Hardy, and Mrs. Marie (Brown) Johnson.

After graduation

I moved to Philadelphia where I worked as a House Technician for Dr. Greski.  I also worked for Sears and Roebuck in North Philly as an order picker.  I later returned home and worked at Vita Foods in Chestertown, Maryland, and Esskay Poultry Plant in Cordova, Maryland.

Marriage and family life

After being courted by Mr. Alfred Ryans for a period of time, he proposed and I accepted.  He promised my parents that he would take care of me.  My parents gave their permission and blessing.   On Saturday, September 24, 1949, Rev. Robert S. Caldwell married Alfred and me.  We were married for 72 years, 8 months and 26 days.  We began dating back in high school.  He was in the class of 1941.  Together we worked side by side to build as much of a good life as possible for ourselves.  Six years after marriage Alfred and I were blessed with the arrival of Alfred Jr., on November 1, and blessed again eleven months later with the arrival of Reginald Vernon.

Now having a family, it became an even greater task to take care and be a good provider.  God Blessed us with good health, good friends, and always opened doors for us.  Believing and trusting in God, there was always enough food and money to do what needed to be done.  We planned and saved! "We've never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

I became a member of John Wesley and began working in the church.  Alfred and I were both members of the Senior Choir.  I became a member of the Women's Society in Christian Service, later renamed The United Methodist Women.  I also served as the president of the willing workers.  I helped with Vacation Bible School and Sunday School.  I also served for a period as the Secretary of the Queen Annes County Branch of the NACCP.    When we started our family, I became a stay-at-home mother until my children were school age.

The Later Years

When I returned to work, I worked as a home technician for many years.  Alfred and I became a team.  He would take care of the yard, and I took care of the house.  During this time in our lives God Blessed us (As only he could) to become associated with some of the greatest people on earth, our friends Mike and Patti Batza, their children and grandchildren.  For them we are very thankful.

Our work at John Wesley United Methodist Church has never stopped.  Alfred and I sang together on the senior choir, while serving various other organizations.  Alfred and I were Blessed by Pastor Emeritus Clarence A. Waymen and the people of John Wesley, to receive the designation, "Mother of the Church" and "Father of the church" on June 9, 2019.

After many years of work, Alfred and I (both in our 90's) decided that it was time to retire, stop driving, and enjoy life.  So, we did!  However, you know that didn't stop me from keeping busy.  I could always find something around the house to do, and I did!

Life has been good!  "I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name…."

My Legacy to remember

Sons: Alfred, Jr., and Reginald Vernon; daughter-in-law, Theresa A. Thomas-Ryans; grandchildren: Tamesha Alfreda Ryans-Deshields and her husband Anthony Larry, Jr., (Pookie) and Alfred, III;  great grandchildren: Kaley Amore, Ta'quera LaShae, Anthony Larry, III (AJ) and Zakiya Onyea;  great-great grandchildren: Jayce Tyrese and Mila Amore Taylor; adopted son, Martin (Marty) Batson; one deceased adopted grandson, Jason Wilson.

"OH, MY GOODNESS!" It's 4:25 a.m.  I need to get some sleep. I have laundry to do, I need to find something to fix for dinner, I need to vacuum and run to the market. They keep trying to tell me that I'm 100 years old.  I don't know how they got that mixed up.  I'm only 82, 83. Maybe I'll be 100 in a couple of years."

Until then, you all

"Be Good!  Be Kind!  Be Careful, and Pray"