Mother Evangelist Josephin G. thomas set sail for heaven on the morning of April 28, 2009 following a lengthy illness. She was born November 4, 1941 in Roxboro, N.C. to the late James and Sinnie Canada. She was the seventh of eleven siblings. She attended the public schools of Person County in North Carolina. Josephine met Walter J. Boyd and the couple married in 1967. To this union two sons, Walter Ray and Robert James, and two daughters, Jacquelin and Tonjo Lynn were born. Jacquellin, Walter Ray and Tonjo Lynn preceded her in death, as well as a granddaughter Shawnda Boyd. following her divorce from Walter, she married the late Bobby Thomas. Josephine received Christ in her life at an early age. She was baptized at Old Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Roxboro, N.C. at the age of nine. After moving to Baltimore, Md. in 1965, she became a member of Wayland Baptist Church where she served as an usher. She later joined Prayer Mission Church of God & Christ. She then moved on to Trinty Praise & Worship Center. Evangelist Thomas received her call to Ministry in 1990 and was ordained into the Evangelic Ministry in 1997. She was one of the foundeing members of Beacon of Truth Church and Ministries where she rendered dedicated and faithful service as Church Mother and ministerial staff member under the leadership of her son and pastor, Robert James Boyd. "Mama" was the name that Evangelist Thomas was affectionately called by many who knew her because she lived by the African proverb, "It's takes a village to raise a child." She could always be seen on her daily walks, stopping here and there to chat with anyone, especailly the troubled young who seemed to be hurting or lost. She always had a smile and a word for everyone. Even during her illness, she worried about others, not taking time-out for "pity parties," but trying to help encourage someone else. She was a bold soldier of God. If ever the Grace of God was manifested in the life of a saint, it was evident in "Mama" Thomas, for surely God's strength shew forth in her weakness. When told that she was a strong woman, she would reply, "It's not me, but God." She loved praying, paching, and what she called "good old church music" and getting her dance in while the service was in high gear. Once during a service she broke the heel of her shoe, but did not let that stop her from praising her God! In addition to serving as housewife, "Mama" Thomas was employed in domestic service at Mercy Hospital, Broadmead Nursing Home, and in private homes. "Mama" Thomas had a witty sense of humor. she truly loved her grandchildren. If we could find an appropriate word to describe "Mama". it would be "non stop." On April 28th her life did not stop, only her body did so. In her transition, she has ceased from labor and has now rentered rest. She leaves to love and cherish her memory; one son, Pastor Robert J. Boyd Rabbit daughter-in-law, Jane of Baltimore, Md.; two sisters, Minnie Mae Lunsford brother-in-law, Theodore & Veola Canada of Roxboro, N.C.; two brothers, Roderick Canada of Roxboro, N.C. & Rev. Robert Canada of Baltimore, Md.; oldest granddaughter, Venetia Nee-Nee grandson-in-law, Randy of Baltimore, Md.; grandson Antwan Buddy Bay of Baltimore, Md.; granddaughter, Temeka Boyd Baby Girl of Md.; grandsons, Terrance Boyd of Baltimore, Md., Verico & Christopher Boyd of Durham, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Randy Omar Roberts II, Jasmine Boyd, and Antwan Boyd, Jr. all of Baltimore, Md.; daughter-in-law, Samantha Boyd, of Durham. N.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.