Stanford A Thomas

There was nothing particularly eventful about April 11, 1956, in Kingston Jamaica, except perhaps, that Lillian Fowling welcomed the birth of her third child and first of four sons. She named him Stanford Augustus, the second name for his father, David Augustus Thomas. He was over the moon with joy, for Stanford too, was his first son.

The baby thrived. His coos and cries were ‘answered’ or responded to not only by his mother but also by Aunt Cora, his mother’s sister and her newborn, George, who also shared the same dwelling. This family arrangement was short lived when a house fire rudely interrupted the setting. The saying is that their mothers threw both little boys, Stanford and George, from the burning inferno to save their lives. Thankfully, neither youngster was injured but the displacement meant that Carol’s (for this was Stanford’s pet name) parents decided to send him to live with his paternal grandparents, Immanuel and Catherine Thomas in Hayes, Clarendon.

It was here that Stanford or Nyah was to spend the next thirty years or so before migrating to New York, USA in 1987. There he joined his mother and stepfather, Lillian and Leopold Reynolds as well as his siblings. His elder sister and his mother’s first born, Yvonne (June), who was later to play a significant part in his life, was already living in Florida.

Stanford loved his new home and family as much as he loved his extended family in Jamaica. There on the island, his grandparents, Aunt Lou, Edith and Sare doted on him. Brother Thomas, his father’s older brother provided ‘discipline’ just as he did for his own children for any major infraction of the unwritten code of conduct. At home were cousins Marissa and her brother Selvyn (Mark); Anthony (Tony) and his sister Dawn. This band of brothers and sisters, though not biological, would shape a formidable and deep-rooted relationship.

Many of the family members worshipped at the nearby church. Upon the death of his grandparents, cousin, Sister Olive became Stanford’s guardian and tireless advocate. The principal of the Hayes All-Age School where Stanford attended lived next door. However, as the saying goes, boys will be boys, Stanford didn’t feel inhibited by any bad report that the head teacher might take to the fence. On completion of his studies at Hayes, Stanford enrolled at the Vere Training Center where theory and practical were combined to launch the youth into a career in trades, such as welding. The trades were not appealing to Stanford, so he left to try his hand at other pursuits.

Stanford’s dad still lived in Kingston, but he was always an engaging father. He would both write and visit often. His father’s other children lived in Kingston. These siblings, Lloyd, Pauline (Pet), Donovan (Michael) and Monica were always close and dear to big brother. In time, Stanford’s elder son Rohan (Marcus) became part of the Thomas’s family dynamic. Just like his Dad before him, Rohan was fawned over by family members, especially adoring aunts Monica, Pauline and grand-aunt Lou who ‘looked out for him’.

Life in United States was hectic. The Reynold’s household was no less so. There, the young adult sisters and brothers were on the cusp of establishing careers and families. Through it all, Mom was a lady of faith, and this proved a blessing to Stanford. He modeled the behavior he had experienced in his extended family in Jamaica. As such, he was very attentive to his mother.

However, the star of Stanford’s life was his precious little family circle. He first met Andrea in Canada when she attended her sister’s baby christening. He attended the same event but at the invitation of his friend who is Andrea’s sister’s husband (Andrea’s brother-in- law). At the time, both Andrea and Stanford lived in Connecticut and New York respectively. They met again on subsequent visits to Canada. By 1992 they decided to hitch themselves to each other’s wagon in marriage. Teshika and Dylan are the precious fruits of this union. They have blossomed into wonderful adults, both earning their master’s degree in their chosen profession. Stanford was indeed a very proud papa. He was even happier about his children’s godly character than their academic accolades. Mr. T was always happy that Andrea was his life partner. He knew that she was one of the two linchpins, with God’s help, who held the family together. The Thomas’s took their wedding vows - for better or for worse in sickness & in health, etc., seriously. For almost thirty-four years, through challenges whether sunshine or rain, this couple walked together to this scene.

Along the way, Stanford worked for many years at JFK International Airport with American Eagle, whose parent company is American Airlines Group Inc. After relocating to Connecticut, he was employed by First Student Bus Co. for over 20 years as a school bus driver, taking children to and from school; to away athletic activities or summer camp. Stanford loved meeting people and he loved driving. He worked with this company until he developed health challenges which forced his retirement.

Retirement was not as he had hoped because he had to fend off serious health issues. Nevertheless, he did not take things ‘lying down’. His son and dear wife took him to the gym from time to time; he did physical therapy; with his wife he visited Jamaica twice and was about to go again. This time he planned to see George with whom he was thrown from the house fire as a little child. Unfortunately, he had to cancel that trip due to health concerns. He also attended both his daughter’s and son’s graduation in Louisiana and Maryland respectively. He cooked more than one entree this past Thanksgiving. He kept in touch with friends and family far and near. We are not surprised that so many of you are here today. Some from nearby. Others drove miles, even hundreds of miles, to participate in this celebration & farewell service this morning. Some of you took airlines and incurred hotel or air b and b expenses to be here. Others are on or will be on different platforms viewing the service. Thank you.

We are so happy that his wife Andrea and Sis. Charmaine Smith was by his bedside when he went to sleep. The latter, speaking softly and low, inviting Carol to claim our Savior’s blood and promises. His response was precious. He opened his eyes widely, looked up at her with tears running down his face. He closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Parting or separation is difficult, very difficult. The emptiness and the scars linger for quite some time. Yet we know joy will come in the morning. We are not without hope. God not only sees our tears, but He carries us if we ask. Oh yes, Mr. T was a peaceful person. He was also passionate or firm about things he believed in. He was a kind and loyal friend; a helpful person; a loving father and faithful husband.

Gone but Stanford, Carol, Nyah, Thomas or Mr. T will never be forgotten by his dear wife Andrea, children Rohan, (Antoinette), Teshika and Dylan; sisters Pauline, Monica , Yvonne, Dawn, Marlene, Joan, Sandra and their spouses; brothers Paul, Ian and Dave; grandson, Antoine; sisters-in-law Jacquiline Gordon, Shriley (Marlyn) and Coral Edwards-Knight; several nieces, nephews; cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Lloyd and Donavan.

A celebration of Stanford's life will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 9am at Christian Fellowship Church 600 Jones Hill Road West Haven, CT. Viewing in Church from 8-9am. Burial to follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.