Obituary of Harold Lafayette Thomas Sr.

Harold Lafayette Thomas, Esquire, was born on February 5, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama to Louise and William Thomas, Sr. He was the second of four sons, William H. Thomas, Jr., who preceded him in death, Charles Ester, and Morris Thomas. Harold professed faith in Christ at an early age and was in attendance for Sunday services and special events at New Hope Presbyterian Church of Bessemer, Alabama, almost every Sunday. He took family, faith and his studies seriously. Following his graduation from the segregated public school system in Bessemer, Alabama, he attended Talladega College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history and membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He then moved to Washington, DC, where he attended Howard University Law School and attained his Juris Doctorate Degree.  It was shortly after his move, that he met his wife, Ann Barnes. From their union, two children, Harold, Jr. (Tommy) and Staci were born.

Harold was extremely talented and had numerous professional experiences. While still a law school student, he served as a substitute teacher for the Spingarn STAY Program. His success led to his being hired as a full-time special education teacher at Browne Junior High School. Harold’s keen interest in politics afforded him the opportunity to secure employment at the United States Capitol. After graduation from law school, he became a member of the DC Bar Association and began working in the Legal Services Office in Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked with former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Harold also served in the US Army and pursued advanced studies at both George Mason and Catholic Universities prior to being selected to serve as Special Assistant to the Director of Fairfax, Virginia. While he indicated that he enjoyed each of these positions, he was always excited about the advancements he was able to make with each new assignment. He was extremely ecstatic when he was selected to work with the administration of former President Jimmy Carter, with whom he remained in contact until his passing. He continued his political career as the Director of Finance and Revenue for the District of Columbia, and a member of the cabinet of former Mayor, Marion Barry. Shortly after Mayor Barry’s term ended in 1990, Harold retired from the DC Government.  The administrative and leadership skills allowed Harold to serve as Executive Secretary to the DC School System’s Board of Education and later as Arbitrator to the DC Court System.  He also served as the President of North Portal Civic Association and on numerous Boards committed to improving the lives of citizens throughout the United States. 

Harold was not complacent for the short time that he was retired. When he was asked to rejoin the world of education, via the Archdiocese of Washington, he jumped at the chance to develop written procedures for the implementation of special education legal policies. After completion of this document, he was offered the principalship of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Academy. His love for children and desire to reenter the workforce led him to eagerly accept the position. Harold was recognized for the numerous changes and improvements he made at the school. He went on to serve as Executive Director of Center City Consortium, supervising 14 schools, and as Principal Coach for various schools within the Consortium. After his son was named principal of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Academy, where he had held the same position years earlier, Harold continued to work in a volunteer capacity before making his retirement permanent.

Since his arrival in Washington, D.C., Harold attended church and added his melodic tenor voice to the choir. When Tabor and Sherwood Presbyterian Churches merged to form Northeastern Presbyterian Church in 1975, he immediately joined the Chancel Choir and remained a devoted member until services were interrupted as a result of the worldwide COVID-19 epidemic. Harold also served as an Elder, Chairperson of the Pastor Nominating Committee, member of Session, Chairperson of Whisonant Friends of Music and most notably, Founder of the Northeastern Saints Athletic Ministry.

Harold leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ann, of 55 years, his two children, Tommy (Monica) and Staci (Vincent), two brothers, Charles (Delores) and Morris, two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Hughes and Jessie Barnes. Grandchildren: Ryan, Corey, Erica (Zakiel), Nina, Trenton, Tayhlor, Jasmyne, Jaylen, Jordan, Gabriella, Aaron and two great grandchildren: Noah and Levi, as well as a host of relatives and friends. His spirit will continue to live in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.