Irene Thomas "Sugar Mama"

The ninth of eleven children, the party did not start until the arrival of Irene “Sugar Mama” Martin Thomas on 0ctober 30, 1952, in Pickens, Arkansas, to Moses Martin, Sr. and Irene Williams Martin. She departed peacefully, on September 28, 2023.

Sugar Mama, or “Shug” as she was affectionately known by many was a firecracker, a lump of sugar, and a cheerleader all rolled up in one. She could correct you, love on you, and cheer you all on the same day with a smile, a hug, a laugh, and words of wisdom. She was infectious.

She attended Gould Elementary, and later she attended Coleman Elementary. Irene graduated from Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Always a hard worker, Irene had a diverse work background which included General Motors and Michigan Bell. Her final employment was with Saginaw Psychological Services. None of these could measure up to her most important job, where she spent most of her years, nurturing and loving her loves - her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Growing up, she came from a Christian home. She grew up at St. Andrew A.M.E. Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Even after moving away, she still supported the church’s programs because she considered St. Andrew’s her home away from home church family. She would visit whenever in Pine Bluff. Staying true to her family values and Christian roots, she was a faithful member at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where she was on the Pastor’s Aide Committee and Mother’s Board. She was affectionately known as “Mother Thomas.”

Irene was blessed to share her beauty with the love of her life, Robert Thomas, Sr. They married on October 30, 1970. They were married for forty-eight years and together for fifty until his passing in 2018. Robert took great pleasure in spoiling “Sugar Mama” and keeping a smile on her face. The two were one.

She was constantly in proud mother mode. Cheerleader number one in the house. She was blessed to have beautiful children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Just hearing their names brought a smile to her face. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Sonya DeVon Thomas and Katrina (Javonah) Thomas-Henderson, Saginaw, Michigan; one son, Kevin LaRon(Swann) Thomas, Sr., Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Marquavion, Darnequia, Tarquionna, Kareem, Cameron, Kevin, Jr., Stephen, Jimeesha, Mikeisha, Tevion, Dontrell, Brittany, Brianna, Brea, and Robert III; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Julianna Williford, Saginaw, Michigan, and Lorene Martin, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; brothers, Johnny Martin, Sr, Saginaw, Michigan, and Ronnie Martin, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; special niece, Mae Helen Williams, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; a host of nieces and nephews; special friends, Dorothy Compton, Ethel Adway, Patricia Dixson, Bobbie Murray, Mary Thomas and Lois Stovall; many other relatives and friends.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Thomas, Sr.; sons, Michael Duane Thomas, and Robert Thomas, Jr.; parents, Moses, Sr. and Irene Martin; sisters, Millie Martin and Emma Crosby; brothers, Moses Martin, Jr., Elijah Martin, Jonathan Martin, and Ceabon Martin; sisters-in-law, Verba Martin, Ledoris Martin, and Felecia Martin; brother-in-law, Marshall Crosby, Jr.

Blessed with her mother’s nurturing spirit, and father’s sense of humor she leaves many memories and smiles for friends and families to treasure. “Favorite/Special” is the word and feeling Irene/Shug is leaving many with as she begins her new journey. She made everyone feel like the favorite, so it is a mystery she lovingly took to glory with her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Bishop Ron Frierson and the New Covenant Christian Center Church Family, Pastor John Williams and New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Family, and Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.