Marion Thomas Jr.

Marion Thomas Jr. affectionately called (Tuloo) by friends and family, was born the Second of nine children on August 10, 1935, to Millie (Cantey) and Marion Thomas Sr. in Sumter, South Carolina.

At the age of three his family migrated to Washington D.C. When Tuloo was in the Third grade the family moved to Braddock, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Braddock High School in 1954 where he played football while being a good student.

He met and married Bertha Code; from this union, his daughter Darnett (Keith) McDaniel and son Darian (Toni) Thomas were born.

Tuloo worked at a textile company in the Hill District. While working there he met and married the love of his life, Allene (Thoms) Thomas; this union lasted 57 years and bore two daughters Dana (Rickie) Nelson and Valisa (Adrian) Dutrieuille.

Tuloo worked at H.J. Heinz as a labourer for 18 years and retired. Tuloo's desire to explore continued alongside his wife Allene as they traveled the country, which was extended to his daughters with yearly family vacations. 

Darnett loved her dad teasing her but they both looked forward to him coming to her house for dinner, in which He would say she looked like his mother. They enjoyed the annual fish fry that she would hold for him. They loved traveling together in the trips they would take to the Live Casino in Maryland. His last wish to her was that he wanted to see his birthplace, Sumter SC which they were able to do. He enjoyed it so much seeing his Roots. I love you, Daddy!!

Dana enjoyed the road trips with her dad, where they took turns driving; she will also miss their heart-to-heart talks.

Valisa enjoyed watching her dad in the kitchen where he made the best banana pudding and sweet potato pie using his mother Millie's recipes. 

Those closest to Marion knew that travel was more than just a pastime; it was a way of life that enriched his soul. So much so that he took a job with Cochran, driving to various cities across the country. He worked several years with Cochran before officially retiring in 2015.

Tuloo loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He affectionately gave each one a unique nickname.

Tuloo was known for his processed hair doo; met his best friend Norman who nicknamed him Moss. His second pastime was playing cards. He would host card games where friends and family would gather, eat and enjoy one another's company. He enjoyed travelling with his travelling buddies, Sandy and Forrest Craig, also Josie and Cecil Brooks.

Although Tuloo didn't attend church much, he exemplified his belief in Christ Jesus in saying "I love the Lord and only God knows our heart." Tuloo will be missed by all those that knew him. He was often the life of the party, known as a well-dressed and handsome man. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Millie and Marion Sr., sister's Carrie, Mary Emma, Mary Lee and his brothers Willie, Samuel, and Charles, sister-in-law Elinor and brother-in-law Merritt Jackson, Frank Gray, Bernie and Willie Richardson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Allene, daughter's Darnett (Keith), Son Darian (Toni) Thomas Dana (Rickie), and Valisa (Adrian), grandchildren Rashida, Kamilah, Keith, Kenta, Kesha, Shannon, Robert, Aneia and Adrian, 20 Great-Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren; his siblings Viola Jackson and Catherine Gray, sister-in-laws Deitra Richardson, Jacqueline (Albert) Brown, brother-in-laws Robert and Allen thoms and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

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