Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2025, at 12:34 pm, our Dear Beloved First Lady Marilyn Thomas, went into eternal rest with the Lord. First Lady Marilyn Levon Thomas was born to the late Ralph Taylor and Geraldine Taylor-Shepard on July 30, 1955, in Winston-Salem, NC. She attended and graduated from Reynolds High School in 1973. She Retired from Hanes-Brand Sara Lee after 40 years and worked part-time with Urban League Senior Care. In 1972 she married Bishop Claude D Thomas and mothered three children, Tori Thomas, Claude Thomas, Jr., and Isaiah Thomas. She was a member and First Lady of Genesis Victory Outreach Center, and she preached the word of God with her mouth after her husband passed. But even more, through her life. First Lady Marilyn Thomas was a legend.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Geraldine Taylor-Shepard and Ralph Taylor; her husband, Bishop Claude D. Thomas; her son, Claude Thomas, Jr.; grandson, Claude Thomas, III "Trey"; and her siblings, Zoretta Peoples, Ralph Taylor, Jr., and Victor Taylor.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Tori (Corey) Thomas and Isaiah (Christina) Thomas; grandchildren, W. Corey Thomas Jr. "CJ", Jasmine Thomas, Camaya Thomas "Hotdog", Isaiah Thomas Jr. "Lil' Puff", and Lauren Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, June 5, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, June 6, 2025 at Genesis Victory Outreach Center, 1882 Old Hollow Road Walkertown, NC with Bishop Antonio Spillman officiating and Bishop John C. McClurkin, Sr. eulogist.  Entombment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.