Muriel Elizabeth Thomas answered God’s call home on Monday, August 19, 2024. Muriel (“Grammy” as she was affectionately called by her loving grandchildren) was born at Martland Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey on June 6, 1939 to Edward and Mary Gladden.
Muriel attended Newark Public Schools and graduated from Central High School in 1957. She married Neil Henderson Thomas soon after on October 26, 1957. They spent their early years raising their growing family (children Marvin and Donna) in the Newark Projects on McCarter Highway. Then, they moved to Schley Street, where they were blessed with the addition of children Neil and Tracey.
For many years, Muriel worked at International Ticket Company. But her love for children led her to serve meals at the Bessie Smith Day Care Center in Newark. Next, she started her own day care business in her home on Schley Street. For over 20 years, she nurtured and cared for dozens of children (and their parents) in the neighborhood. Word-of-mouth recommendations kept her busy and filled with love. “The Thomas House” was a place where fashion shows, backyard dance parties, late-night cookouts, and talent shows were held. Muriel was instrumental in heading the annual Schley Street Block Parties, too. She made growing up FUN!
Muriel was preceded in death by her mother (Mary Gladden), father (Edward Gladden, Sr.), beloved husband (Neil H. Thomas), brother (Edward Gladden, Jr.) and son-in-law (Roy Dukes, Jr.).
Muriel leaves to cherish her memories—sister Helen Lee, brother-in-law William Thomas, sister-in-law Beverly Gladden, son Marvin Thomas, daughter Donna Dukes, son Neil Thomas (Rabiyyah), daughter Tracey Roberts (Stefan), grandchildren Khatira Williams, Siddeeq Williams, Muhaymin Dukes (Brianca), Najlaa Harris (Antoine), Antoine Johnson, Antoinette Johnson, Shanté Thomas, William Thomas (Tiffany), Neil Thomas Jr. (Quaterah), Atavia Foreman, Shelby Roberts, and Trent Roberts, great-grandchildren Dasia Cox, Tamia Williams, Sinya Williams, Talia Williams, Amoriyah Kitchens, Elijah Ciego, Talia Williams, Serenity Williams, Neil Thomas III, Siana Williams, Rafi Dukes, and Choyce Harris, great-great grandson Jelani Cox, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.