Mr. Lorenzo V. Thomas

Mr. Lorenzo V. Thomas, 39, of Liberty, MS transitioned from this earthly life on August 21, 2022 Visitation Friday September 9, 6:00pm-8:00pm at Peoples Undertaking Co. Service Saturday September 10, 12:00 noon – 1:00pm visitation at Jerusalem MB Church in Gillsburg, service following at 1:00pm, Pastor Carl Wyre, Officiating, burial int the Jerusalem MB Church Cemetery. The Thomas and Brown families' lives were forever changed and enriched as they welcomed the arrival of Lorenzo Vernell on February 28, 1983. Even as a baby, he did not have an opportunity to cry for attention because he was always being held and passed from arm to arm. His Aunt Lula even kept him for a little while under the disguise of giving his mother a break. Lorenzo joined the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev Willie B Tobias. He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. He was a member of the choir, Sunday School, Usher Board and Vacation Bible School. As a young adult, he taught the Youth Bible Class, preparing under the guidance of his grandfather, Rev William Thomas, Sr. While in Orlando, FL, and Maryland / Washington DC areas, he worshipped with his friends, retaining his membership at his home church. Lorenzo graduated from the Amite County High School (ACHS) in Liberty, MS, in June 2001. While attending ACHS, he was an active member of the Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Technology Student Association (TSA). Lorenzo continued his studies at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), in Hattiesburg, MS. While at USM, he served as a Resident Representative and joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. Lorenzo also took advantage of the opportunity to put his learning into practice when he interned with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, as a Housekeeping Management Intern the summer of 2005. He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with a focus in Tourism and Travel Services Management in December 2005. Lorenzo began his professional hospitality career with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL, in January 2006. He held several roles over his 7 yrs and 8 months career, including the Housekeeping Manager, Front Desk Manager and rising to the level of Guest Service Manager at Disney’s Board Walk Resort. In 2013, Lorenzo moved to Maryland and started his career with the W Hotels. He exceled over his 8 years and 5 months career, joining the W Washington DC as Style Talent Coach. His passion for the brand and guests along with his dedication to excellence and customer service were rewarded with promotions to Director of Housekeeping (2015), Director of Welcome Office (2018) and ultimately to the Director of Style (2021). With a love for the south and an opportunity to be closer to his family, Lorenzo accepted a transfer back to Atlanta, GA, with the W Hotel. He joined Cushman & Wakefield on August 30, 2021, as the Regional Experience Manager where he was responsible for overseeing the employees everyday work experience in the Atlanta, New York and Norfolk Region. He was employed with Cushman & Wakefield at the time of his passing. Lorenzo’s greatest passions are spending time with family and friends as well as traveling the globe with his crew. He never missed an opportunity to attend family gatherings and celebrations prior to COVID, especially the birthdays of his nieces Trinity and Madison and nephew Christopher. He could be found gardening, working in the yard, and doing whatever needed to be done around the home to support his mother during his visits home. Anyone traveling to FL or DC was guaranteed a great time because Lorenzo made sure of that! His travels took him across the US as well as abroad, including but not limited to Mexico, Greece, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Caribbean Islands, the Netherlands, and Puerto Rico. Lorenzo also believed in giving back and supporting the community, including volunteering with the YMCA of Orange County from 2009 – 2011 and helping the Liberty Baptist Church in Washington, DC, to helped raise funds for the community by donating clothes and household items to benefit the American Dental Group. Lorenzo was a partner with Jarrel Williams and Everett Scisney in ‘Events by JEL’. Their mission is to bring your vision to life through end-to-end event management and coordination for any and all life experiences. Lorenzo was proceeded in death by his grandparents: Rev William and Modessa Tate Thomas, Sr; Mary Louise Brown, and John Marsalis, Sr; Uncles: Willie Thomas, Sr, Albert Thomas, and William Thomas, Jr; Aunts: Mary Thomas and Sonia Lynn Brown. Lorenzo leaves to cherish his memories: Mother, Lillie Thomas Brown, Liberty, MS; Raised by Isaac Wayne (Victoria) Brown, McComb, MS, and Biological father, John (Courtney) Marsalis, Jr, Lake Jackson, TX; Sister: LaKeisha (Charles Veal, Jr) Brown, Zachary, LA; Brother: John Davis “JD” Marsalis, III, Zachary, LA; Nieces: Trinity Amiya Veal and Madison Amari Veal; and Nephew: Christopher Aden Veal, all of Zachary, LA; special aunt, Angela Brown, Liberty, MS; great-great aunt: Mildred Hamilton, Liberty, MS; special adopted away-from-home mom, Aliette Alexis, Orlando, FL; closest friends: Krystal Bates Minor, Zachary, LA; Victoria Patterson-Boss, Summit, MS; Ronald Collins, Washington, DC; Rashida Wilson-Agenor, Atlanta, GA; Jamal Wideman and Jessica C Garcon, Orlando, FL; Jarrel Williams, Dallas, TX; Khadijah Sutton, Houston, TX and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and co-workers.

Mr. Lorenzo V. Thomas

February 28, 1983 - August 21, 2022