Funeral Information
Location:
Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Date: 09-26-2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
Deaconess Jurine Brown Thomas, affectionately known as “Judy,” lived a beautiful life defined by faith, perseverance, service, and love. Born on August 21, 1938, in Quincy, Florida, to the late Capus Brown and Emma Bradwell Brown, she was raised with values that would guide her throughout her eighty-eight years: faith in God, devotion to family, hard work, and compassion for others.
As a young woman, Judy worked as a domestic worker. In January 1963, she relocated with her husband and children to Newark, New Jersey, determined to create greater opportunities for herself and her family.
“He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”
While balancing family responsibilities, Judy courageously pursued higher education. She earned a Medical Secretary Diploma and an Associate of Science degree in Liberal Arts before continuing her studies at Seton Hall University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.
Judy used her education not simply to advance herself, but to uplift others. Through her career in social services, she helped families and those less fortunate obtain resources and assistance needed to improve their lives. She believed that an open heart is often a hand up to greater opportunities, and she lived that belief through a lifetime of service.
After retiring in 2001, Judy returned home to Florida to be closer to family. Retirement never ended her desire to serve, as she remained active in social and civic organizations and continued offering encouragement and assistance wherever needed.
At the center of Judy’s life was her faith in God. She faithfully served as a Deaconess at Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Among the Scriptures closest to her heart was the 23rd Psalm, whose words reflected her trust in God through every season of life.
Judy also treasured life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed trivia and game shows, word searches, and sending cards to family and friends. Whether celebrating a birthday, offering encouragement, or simply letting someone know they were remembered, her thoughtful gestures were expressions of the caring spirit she carried throughout her life.
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Deaconess Jurine “Judy” Brown Thomas completed her earthly journey and entered eternal rest. Her life was a testimony of what can be accomplished through determination, education, faith, and a heart committed to serving others.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas; daughters, Carolyn Parkman Harris and Elizabeth Smith; grandson, Terrence Jackson; parents, Capus Brown and Emma Bradwell Brown; brother, Benjamin Lee Brown; and sisters, Catherine Wilson, Bessie Mae Jones, and Willie Mae Beck.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughter, Emma Smith of Tallahassee, Florida; son, Calvin (Charlotte) Stephens of Quincy, Florida; sisters, Sara Beard of Sarasota, Florida, and Lois Elder-Mathews of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandchildren, Khadija Hill-Green, Tyre’ Jackson, Iesha Jackson, and Tyshun Jackson; along with a host of other relatives, church family, friends, and countless lives touched by her kindness and compassionate spirit.
For eighty-eight years, Judy walked faithfully along life’s journey. She worked. She learned. She achieved. She served. She gave. She loved. And through it all, she trusted the Shepherd.
As a young woman, Judy worked as a domestic worker. In January 1963, she relocated with her husband and children to Newark, New Jersey, determined to create greater opportunities for herself and her family.
“He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.”
While balancing family responsibilities, Judy courageously pursued higher education. She earned a Medical Secretary Diploma and an Associate of Science degree in Liberal Arts before continuing her studies at Seton Hall University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.
Judy used her education not simply to advance herself, but to uplift others. Through her career in social services, she helped families and those less fortunate obtain resources and assistance needed to improve their lives. She believed that an open heart is often a hand up to greater opportunities, and she lived that belief through a lifetime of service.
After retiring in 2001, Judy returned home to Florida to be closer to family. Retirement never ended her desire to serve, as she remained active in social and civic organizations and continued offering encouragement and assistance wherever needed.
At the center of Judy’s life was her faith in God. She faithfully served as a Deaconess at Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Among the Scriptures closest to her heart was the 23rd Psalm, whose words reflected her trust in God through every season of life.
Judy also treasured life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed trivia and game shows, word searches, and sending cards to family and friends. Whether celebrating a birthday, offering encouragement, or simply letting someone know they were remembered, her thoughtful gestures were expressions of the caring spirit she carried throughout her life.
On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Deaconess Jurine “Judy” Brown Thomas completed her earthly journey and entered eternal rest. Her life was a testimony of what can be accomplished through determination, education, faith, and a heart committed to serving others.
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas; daughters, Carolyn Parkman Harris and Elizabeth Smith; grandson, Terrence Jackson; parents, Capus Brown and Emma Bradwell Brown; brother, Benjamin Lee Brown; and sisters, Catherine Wilson, Bessie Mae Jones, and Willie Mae Beck.
She leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughter, Emma Smith of Tallahassee, Florida; son, Calvin (Charlotte) Stephens of Quincy, Florida; sisters, Sara Beard of Sarasota, Florida, and Lois Elder-Mathews of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandchildren, Khadija Hill-Green, Tyre’ Jackson, Iesha Jackson, and Tyshun Jackson; along with a host of other relatives, church family, friends, and countless lives touched by her kindness and compassionate spirit.
For eighty-eight years, Judy walked faithfully along life’s journey. She worked. She learned. She achieved. She served. She gave. She loved. And through it all, she trusted the Shepherd.