Kathryn Thomas

Kathryn Thomas, affectionately known as Kat, was born to the late JC McDonald and Emma Dowell on July 11, 1950, in Chicago IL. Kathryn was baptized and became a member of Pilgrim Rest, under the leader- ship of the late Reverend Matthew Thomas, at an early age. Kathryn joined Christ Tabernacle, under the leadership of the late Reverend Milton Brunson, where she served on the beautifying committee. Later in life, she joined Progressive Life Giv- ing Word Cathedral under the leadership of Apostle Donald Alford in Hillside, Il- linois. Before becoming ill, she committed her fellowship to Jordan Temple Church of Hillside, Illinois, under the leadership of Pastor Stephen Richardson. Kathryn attended Harrison High School in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated in 1968. In 1968, Kathryn started working at Sears, Roebuck and Co. as a clerical assistant. After the closing of Sears, Kathryn started working at Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, Illinois, as admin for the physical plant and grounds department un- til her retirement. In 1972, Kathryn met and married Carl Griffin, and to this union, Carla Griffin was born. In 1986, Kathryn met and married Lawrence Thomas, and to this union, Shalonda Thomas was born. Kathryn’s passion was her family and her cooking, something she held dear to her heart. If you wanted to make her happy, all you had to do was to compliment her on her cooking. She would smile for days to come. Kathryn was the backbone and the rock to the family. On June 30, 2022, at 4:27 PM, Kathryn softly heard the voice of God say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things.” Kat was obedient to the call and gently entered God’s eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her father, JC McDonald; mother, Emma Dowell; brother, James Curtis McDonald; and nephew, Kevin Sargent. Kathryn leaves countless precious memories to be cherished by: her father, Wil- lie Dowell; two daughters, Carla Griffin and Shalonda Thomas; granddaughter, Akilah McDaniel; grandson, Khristian Halsell; two sisters, Barbara Williams and Yvonne White (Frederick); three brothers, Michael McDonald, Robert McDonald (Gail), and D’andrea McDonald (Katrina); aunt, Priscilla Parker; two uncles, Isa- iah McDonald (Alice) and Henry McDonald; and a host of nieces, nephews, cous- ins, and friends.

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