Janet Thomas

Janet Thomas was born on June 24, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, to her parents, Richard and Thyra Vivens. She was the couple’s 4th child the baby of the bunch. Janet spoke lovingly and highly about her father and mother all the time. Janet looked up to her father, whom she deeply admired and adored. He was a loving and hardworking man that supported his family during tough times. Unfortunately, her father passed away when Janet was just 19 years old. Janet’s mother, Thyra, became the head of the family; she did it with grace and style. Thrya was a strong, wise, caring, loving, and a giving mother and grandmother. Janet had three siblings, Sylvia, Constance, and Richard. Sadly, she never met her sister, Constance; she passed away as an infant. Janet loved her siblings and looked up to them with respect and great admiration. At the age of 16, Janet met Marshall Thomas met in high school, and later united in marriage. They had 4 children, Marshall, Jr., Devon, LaShawnda, and Tekeysha. Eventually, the marriage was dissolved, but their bond and love for one another never faded. Later in life, Janet met, James Rogers, and they shared a loving partnership and companionship for over 20 years. Janet cherished her children and defined the meaning of a great mother with unconditional love, encouragement, guidance, acceptance, and support. She taught them to be strong and be the best versions of themselves they could be. She never judged and was always there during difficult times with positive words and wisdom. She contributed the traits and attributes of her mother. Janet was and always will be a Phenomenal Woman, Mother, and Queen. Janet worked hard for 39 years to provide for her family. Starting as a Switch Technician at Bell South in Denver, Colorado, which eventually became Mountain Bell, US West, Qwest, and now, Century Link. Along the way, she formed everlasting friendships and sisterhoods with some amazing people, Bonnie, Bess, and Cynthia, just to name a few. She cherished and valued sisterhood with so many of her sisters. Her sisters helped her through some rough times, and hard work days. She was ever so THANKFUL for you all. Janet attended Miracle Mountain A.M.E for at least 10 years, where her love of the Lord led her to serve in many different areas. She held several titles in the Church to include: President of Thyra Vivens Missionary Society, Steward, Trustee, Church Treasurer, Class Leader, Director of Christian Education, Denver District, Deaconess, and Colorado Conference Statistician. Janet was a compassionate guiding light. As she lived, her relationship with her Lord and Savior touched many lives with the love of Christ through the Holy Spirit. In the beautiful last chapter of Janet’s life, she desired to worship with her daughters, Tekeysha, LaShawnda and their families, so she attended Now Faith Christian Center Church, where she was also baptized.Janet loved to dress from head to toe, always looking amazing. She managed to collect countless purses, shoes, and classy outfits. She was our “Fashionista.” In her pastime, she enjoyed going to the movies at the Cinema Grill. Watching movies at home was Janet’s escape. A couple of her favorite movies were “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “The Day After Tomorrow.” She also enjoyed gambling even though she lost often. She greatly enjoyed the ride through the mountains of Blackhawk and the bright lights of Las Vegas. She missed going to the dog track with her cousin Albert. She loved Mexican food and watermelon, and everything had to have some spice and kick to it. She loved traveling with her son Marshall, Jr, to California, Las Vegas, and Arizona. She was always excited to see the ocean and grateful to see the Grand Canyon. Wanting to see so much more, she was just thankful see a few of Gods wonderful creations. Janet’ favorite song was, “Take Your Time” (Do It Right) by the SOS Band, but she also loved lots of music and musicians including, Luther Vandross and Maxwell. Janet’s favorite color was Purple, ironically and sadly, purple is the color that represents awareness for Pancreatic Cancer. The Cancer that struck Janet 2 years ago. She was strong, courageous, and brave during her fight with this terrible disease that no one survives. She dug deep spiritually, putting her faith in the Lord’s hands. Janet loved life so much and wanted to do so much more. Even though she felt she wasn’t done down here, God called her to the heavens. She is now with the Lord and he has a beautiful angel eternally by his side. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and her granddaughter, Gabrielle “Gabby,” who will meet her in Heaven. Janet Thomas departed this life into the embrace of the Lord on October 16, 2017, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and continue her legacy include her four children, Marshall Thomas, Jr., Devon (Coanne) Thomas, LaShawnda (Terry Smith) Thomas-Smith, and Tekeysha (Lawrence) Miles; her partners in life, Marshall Thomas, Sr., and James Rogers; her 13 grandchildren, Jasmine, Octavia, Jalyn, Vincent, Lawrence, Jr. “L J”, Lajayzhin, Treshawn, Tekeyra, Dominque, Desiree, Denzel, English, “Juju”Elijah; and a great granddaughter, Ameree; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 10/24/2017 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/25/2017 at 11:00 AM Family at 798 Revere Street Spottswood AME Zion Church - 3301 Milwaukee Street, Denver, Colorado
Cemetery: 10/26/2017 at 1:00 PM - Fairmount Cemetery - 430 South Quebec Street, Denver, CO