Jerome Thomas, son of the late J.D. and Elaine E. Thomas Ben, was born December 26, 1950 in Baltimorem, Maryland. He departed this life suddenly on May 25, 2007. Affsdectionately known as ''Rommie'' his paents, three siblings lillie Reed, Keith F. and Aaron ''Bud'' Thomas and Rommie's son, Nathan E. Thomasd, preceded him in death. Rommie was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He held various jobs thoughout the city and was a former employee at the Pimlico Race Track and The Baltimore Country Club. Rommie later jioned his father former manager of Baltimore's Frankie and The Spindles and other famiy members at Chessie B & O Railroad Systems, working fifteen years as a trackman. Later on he would work for, with and help anyone who was in need of one or most of his many skills. Attending church and singing on the chior with his siblings waa a joy that Rommie never forgot. Mama would practice with us, and later on she and her children would countless hours listening and writing down the lyics to songs that Rommie and his group members would perform. He took over the job of teaching the young his favorite song ''Yes, Jesus Loves Me.'' A true naturally multi-talenented family man, ''Our Teacher,'' Rommie was a kind and helpful man who never forgot where he came from, who had enjoyed living and experiencing life. Rommie will be remembered for his sense of humor and the special way he made you laugh or simply smile. HE was an artist who was often pulled from his classes to assist teachers with special art projects thoughout school. Being a music lover and fantastic singer would lead Rommie to one of the greatest moments of his life. During tghe 60's the Temptation appeared at the Lyric Theatre and their opening act was Baltimore's own Frankie and The Spendles. Rommies Smokey R's silky-like voice awarded the group a standing ovation and encore performance at the Temptation's and the crowds request. Rommie was loved by many and will be missed by all the lives he encounted. Rommie leaves to mourn; his daughter, Neisha and seven grandchildren; siblings, Jonus Louise Al, Pernell Deborah- NY, Woodrow, Dazzle, Wendell, Jeffrey, Kevin, Cyrus, Jacques, valerie, gina and Andrea; four aunts, Clementine Jones, Evlyn Graham, Blanche Ben and Pearl Benl sister-in-law, Vivian Simmons Thomas; fourty nieces and nephews, fourty-one great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of cousins, extended family and friends.