Scipio Thomas

Scipio Thomas, 83, of Blue Grass, went to be with the Lord on April 7th, 2021.

Visitation will be 5pm to 7pm, Friday, April 16th at Mount Olive Church of God in Christ, 1020 N. Ripley.   Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, 17th at Mount Olive.

Arrangements by Orr’s Mortuary. 

Scipio was born July 17th, 1937 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to the late Willie Thomas and Beatrice Meriweather. He married the love of his life, Lillie B. Bell January 31, 1959.  Born to this union was their only son, Scipio Jr. Thomas.  They lived in Des Moines until they moved to Davenport in 1963.

Scipio worked for John Deere until he retired.  He was an intelligent businessman that had at least two businesses in his lifetime: Thomas Wrecking and Cut Rite Tree Service. He also worked on a couple of inventions. Though he worked hard, he would tell others that he never felt better than when he was doing nothing at all.

Elder Thomas was well known for his generosity. He gave liberally of his talent, time, money, knowledge of the Bible and advice. He was a man that had a unique way of talking and expressing himself… usually in a riddle or some sort. He always wanted to invoke people to think.  Every encounter with him was sure to leave you laughing, frustrated, and or enlightened. He often said, “You can’t tell me anything; but you can ask me everything.”

Elder Thomas was a member of House of the Lord Church, under the leadership of Pastor Maxwell. He also served under the leadership of Bishop M.W. Goodman, Pastor William Frison, Pastor Donell Owens and Pastor Cornelius Boone at Mount Olive Church of God in Christ. He enjoyed preaching and teaching God’s Words.  His voice was one of a kind.  He could often be heard talking in two different octaves; a deep southern rumble to a mountain high squeal. He preached many sermons, the two he was most fond of were, “You cannot rend so that God might mend and Lost in the House.”    

Scipio would not be pleased with this obituary due to its length and would have said, “You can’t tell it all.” Which was his gentle and comical way of saying that’s enough.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Willie and Beatrice Thomas; wife Lillie, son Scipio, siblings; Lattie Austin, Fred Thomas, and Phongenia Clay.

Those left to cherish his memories include siblings; Alonza Thomas, Artellia Mason, and Arcellia Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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