Olivia E Thomas

Olivia E. Thomas, daughter of the late Griffin Thomas and Elizabeth Blackwell, and sister of the late James Thomas, was born on March 17th, 1934. in Copperville, Maryland. Olivia was raised in Hurlock, Maryland, by her paternal Grandmother and her Aunt Edna. Her Grandfather was a pastor, so she was raised in the church. She began to show her musical aptitude at an early age and eventually learned to play many different instruments. Some of them were the flute, clarinet, piano, and others. In her early teenage years, she began playing the piano for the church.

Olivia’s parents lived and worked in Philadelphia. As she got older, Olivia would spend her summers in Philadelphia, in her parents’ home. Once she graduated from high school, Olivia moved to Philadelphia, where she made a career of working for the state as a secretary, until she retired.

She met Elroy Gary, and after their courtship, they were to get married and form their union. they had two children LaKeyia and David Gary. She and her husband bought a home in East Oak Lane, and their children attended a Catholic School.

At the request of a friend Olivia was asked to share one of her many talents, and she was hired as the pianist. There she asked the pastor’s permission to practice the organ where she taught herself to play the pipe organ. She played there for many years.

In the 1980s, Olivia heard that St. Raymond of the Penafort’s Pastor, was looking for a musician who played Gospel music, and Olivia interviewed, played, and was hired, by Monsignor John F. O’Brien. She became the Minister of music and went on to start both an adult and children’s Gospel choir. She played at St. Raymond’s for thirty years, celebrating choir anniversaries every year, and inviting choirs from all over the city. The choir gained a reputation, singing at various churches. As a result of her direction, musical gifts, as well as her kindness, the Choir became a family.

On May 9th, 2009, she was asked to retire by the Pastor at the time. She did so and attended St. Therese until it closed, and then attended St. Athanasius, where she joined the Choir and sang for 2 years.

Olivia enjoyed spending birthdays and holidays with her daughter LaKeyia, and her Grandchildren, along with her mother, until her death. They all enjoyed LaKeyia’s admirable meals. As time went on, they began spending time more together at various restaurants, including one of Olivia’s favorites, Michael’s in Glenside

She also enjoyed watching basketball when Allen Iverson was with the 76ers. She attended several games over the years with her best friend, Marion Dunlap. They took many bus trips to New York to attend plays and many shows at the Miriam theater. 

Olivia transitioned on October 18th, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, beloved son, David, and her dearest friend of forty years Ms. Alta Douglas also known as her “twin.”
She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, LaKeyia Gary, her grandchildren, Aaron, Bri-Anah, and Aari-Anah, (LaKeyia’s children), Shahirah (David’s Daughter), and great-granddaughter, Snow (Shahirah’s daughter). Her childhood friend Nona, her best friend “more like a sister”, Marion Dunlap. along with members of the old St. Raymond’s Gospel Choir, and a host of relatives and friends.

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