Alva D. Thomas, nee Lee, age 77, of Chicago, June 25, 2007 at her residence, born July 23, 1929 in Houston, TX, beloved mother of Leiana J. Thomas (Jerald) Gary; proud grandmother of Jerald Thurman Gary. Alva migrated to Chicago in 1950 after graduating from Lincoln University (MO) with her husband Thurman J. Thomas. She spent many years with the Chicago Public Schools as an educator and served in numerous administrative capacities at Chicago State University. An avid reader and traveler, Alva used her many educational talents as Director of the College of Business for Kafanchan College in Kaduna State, Nigeria for 2 years. After returning to the United States, Alva continued to mentor and advocate for the children of Chicago Public Schools. Alva retired from CPS in 2001. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Chicago Alumnae Chapter and provided service on the Boards of Black on Black Love and Jan Addams Hull House. She was inducted into the 2007 Lincoln University (MO) Alumni Hall of Fame for her dedicated service through the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alva A. Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lincoln University (MO) Alumni Association-Chicago Chapter, P.O. Box 428485, Evergreen Park, IL 60805. Visitation 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2007 at A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, 318 East 71st Street, Chicago, IL 60619, 773-846-6133. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 8441 S. St. Lawrence, Rev. Dr. Jon McCoy, Senior Pastor will deliver the eulogy.
