Visitation: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Visitation Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Visitation Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 Bruton Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Laurie Dynel Thomas, 52, of Orlando, entered her eternal rest on Saturday, October 11, 2025. Laurie was born on February 6, 1973 in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Aethra and Wesley Matthias.
After graduating from High School, Laurie continued her education and later earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Professionally, Laurie served her community as an educator, and taught for over 20 years with Orange County Public Schools. Her career allowed her to impact countless students at Chickasaw Elementary School. Her devotion to the craft was driven by her enthusiasm for positively impacting students and working alongside other passionate educators.
She was an active and faithful member of St. Mark AME Church, Orlando, serving willingly in several capacities over the years. Aside from her church involvement, she also participated as a member of the Sisters Network Cancer Society.
Laurie leaves no mourners for she lived a rich Christian life among loving and devoted family and friends, regardless of race, creed or color, just loved by all. She is survived by her devoted husband, Vern B. Thomas; 2 sons, Malik and Jayden Thomas; mother, Aethra Matthias; siblings, Carrie Matthias, Rose Marie (Riley) Webster, Elizabeth (Remy) Olivacce, Michael Matthias, Bruce (Louise) Matthias; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She will live on in the hearts and minds of her family, former students, colleagues, and numerous friends.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 9:00 AM until services begin at 11:00AM, St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1968 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando with Pastor Terence R. Gray, I, officiating. Interment: Chapel Hill Cemetery, Orlando.
21 Comments
Laurie was truly a blessing for all that had the privilege of knowing her. I know that my life was blessed because she was a part of it. She will always have a place in my heart. Rest easy my dear friend. II Timothy 4:6-7 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
To my loving sister Laurie,
Throughout my life, your unwavering strength has been an inspiration to me. I will deeply miss your presence. You have encountered numerous challenges in life with remarkable composure. I cherish the last conversation we shared. If I had been aware of your passing five days later, I would have remained on the phone until then.
The memories we created during our childhood, spent together, will forever hold a special place in my heart. You will always reside in my thoughts and emotions. My love for you has been constant since your birth and will endure until eternity.
I am comforted by the knowledge that you are no longer experiencing pain. Your presence in my mind will provide me with the strength to move forward. Until we meet again sis may you rest in peace. Love always.
Liz.
To My Dearest Daughter,
In February of 1973, the divine bestowed upon me the gift of your presence. As I witness your growth, I am filled with the profound love that permeates your being.
On your wedding night, despite the church’s closure, angelic voices emanated from its halls. Your unwavering love and compassion were evident as you prioritized the needs and concerns of others above your own.
It is with profound sorrow that I witness your suffering. Our nightly phone conversations, once lasting two hours, had dwindled to 30 minutes. I have observed your distress and understand the necessity of your rest.
Your presence in my heart remains unwavering, my love. I will cherish you forever. Rest in peace.
In your master’s love,
Mom
Cousin Laurie was such a joy,a Blessed woman of God.Laurie loved her family as well as the people she encountered throughout her lifetime. Laurie loved teaching which she did to the very end.We will all cherish her memories, hold unto the family gatherings. Laurie suffered for so many years,pain after pain,but God gave her much needed strength to keep fighting until she lost her battle. Now her place is with her creator who loves her so much,he’s sending her a personal Angel to take her home where her love ones await REST IN PEACE Cousin Laurie. Love Cindy and family
Laurie, my friend, we met in high school and became the best of friends. I will never forget Psychology class, Saturdays at your dad’s store, weekend sleep overs and attending the same university and being roommates. I was sad when you moved away but it gave me the excuse to visit and take our families to Disney World. We did lose touch over the years but I am so happy I got to see and spend some time with you recently when I was in Orlando. It was like no time had passed. I’m going to miss you old friend 🧡
Laurie was more than her illness. More than a diagnosis. More than the treatments, the pain, the uncertainty.
My sister was fierce, kind, and endlessly brave. Even when cancer came for her, she stood tall. She lived every day on her terms, with courage and grace. She laughed. She loved. She fought with everything she had.
Cancer may have taken her body, But it never touched her spirit,never dimmed her love, her wisdom, her strength.
She didn’t lose. Because cancer never got what mattered most, her love for Vern, Malik and Jayden. We have your back sis and will be here support them as needed.
Laurie’s story is not one of defeat, but of resilience. Of a woman who refused to be defined by what tried to break her.
Your loving sister Rosie
To My Sister Laurie,
Today, I want to honor the life of my sister, Laurie. She was a woman whose strength and resilience spoke volumes. The space she left behind is one that cannot be filled.
She faced a long and difficult journey with courage. Through it all, she carried herself with grace, dignity, and determination that inspired those around her. Her perseverance reminded us that strength doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it’s in the steady way one keeps going.
Rest gently now.
Love your Sister Carrie and Family
To Aunt Aethra and Family
My deepest condolences to you and the family on the passing of Laurie. Laurie suffered for so long,she had good days and bad days.Through it all, Laurie always had the faith and trust in her God.No matter the outcome she left everything in his hands. Her passion was teaching. Laurie loved her students and they loved her in return.
Hang in there Aunt Aethra you are not alone.We will all miss her dearly.Laurie is now at peace with her Heavenly Father.
Blessed are they that mourn:for they shall be comforted.
Love Astrid and Family
A Tribute to Our Beloved Classmate, Lori Mathias Thomas
Charlotte Amalie High School – Class of 1991
With heavy hearts, we, the Charlotte Amalie High School Class of 1991, mourn the passing of our dear classmate, Lori Mathias Thomas. Lori fought a courageous battle with cancer, showing grace, strength, and unshakable faith until the very end.
Lori leaves behind her beloved husband, Verne Thomas—also our classmate—and their two cherished sons, who were the pride and joy of her life. Together, Lori and Verne built a beautiful life and a successful restaurant business in Orlando, Florida, where their warmth and hospitality touched the lives of many. Virgin Islanders at home and abroad were so proud of the local duo to spread love through Virgin Islands hospitality and cuisine.
Continue…
To Verne, their sons, and the entire Mathias and Thomas families, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Keep the faith and push forward Verne, in the name and sake of your beloved, Lori. We pray that God’s love will surround you and bring you comfort in this time of loss.
As we reflect on Lori’s life—her kindness, her laughter, her generosity—we take solace in the promise of God’s Word:
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Lori’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Rest in Peace, Lori Mathias Thomas
Forever in our hearts — CAHS Class of 1991 💛💙
Laurie, I’ve known you since elementary school and your quiet Demeanor and loving ways has never changed. You continued to be a bright light in what can sometimes be a dark world. Those who knew you will definitely miss your presence. Your unwavering strength and ability to endure is a constant reminder of the person you were. Rest peacefully in heaven my dear until we meet again. My family and I will keep your loved ones in our prayers.
My dear Laurie , this news comes to me as a shock!
The world came to a stand still ,when Jewel called and asked me if I had heard of your passing. I asked her which Laurie you talking about? She responded by saying our Laurie.! Flooding of memories came to mind as the tears fall from my face , Our school days ,working in the bakery with you we were tight lady. To the entire Matthias ,Thomas family, my deepest condolences 🙏.
Laurie you was an angel , it was an honor and pleasure knowing you as well as being part of something special we shared,
R.I.P until we meet again
I have no words to express your pain just know you are not alone
TO AETHRA AND FAMILY
It is with great sadness for us to extend our deepest sympathy to Vern and sons on the passing of your dear love one.
Laurie have departed this life for a better resting place.
May God grant peace and comfort to all who mourn her passing.
May her soul rest in peace.
Love (Godmother) Luz,UncleLeal,and cousins Vilmo & Vic
Light a candle,
see it glow,
watch it dance
when you feel low.
Think of me,
think of light,
I’ll always be here,
day or night.
A candle flickers
out of sight,
but in your heart
I still burn bright.
Think not of sadness,
that I’m not near,
think of gladness
and joyous cheer.
I have not left,
I am not gone.
I’m here to stay
my little one,
so when you light a candle
and you see it glow
and you watch it dance,
in your heart you’ll know
that I would never leave you,
even when you feel so blue.
I’m sitting up here with the Lord
and now watching over you.
by Family Friend Poems
When you remember me,
Please do not weep.
My body may not be there.
It has chosen to sleep.
I’m not that far away.
My soul lives on,
Looking down, watching over
You and everyone.
And when you feel sad
And life seems so blue,
Just remember
That my spirit has its arms around you.
And on those special days,
Times that you wish I could see,
That cool breeze flowing past you…
Well, that will be me,
So don’t be sad.
Have no fear.
God has taken me under his wing,
But I’ll always be near.
I still watch you
Every minute, every day.
My love and soul are with you,
And that’s where they will stay.
by Emma Marie Etwell @ Family Friend Poems
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you did not go alone.
A part of us went with you,
the day God took you home.
If tears could build a stairway,
and heartaches make a lane,
we’d walk our way to heaven,
and bring you back again.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we loved you still,
in our hearts you hold a place
no one can ever fill.
RIP Laurie until we meet again.
Poem by artofit.org
We give God thanks for the life and witness of Laurie Thomas. She was truly a warm and gentle soul. Her love and dedication to God never waived over the years despite all that she had been through. As we celebrate her life, we would like to offer our prayerful support to her family,
Laurie, My Queen, My Wife, My Love, My Best Friend. It’s hard to put into words the heartache I’m feeling. I’ve loved you since we met back in High School and it’s hard to say goodbye. We’ve been married for 30 years and each year was better than the last. We raised two wonderful boys, Malik and Jayden that also love and adore you. We traveled the world together and had a blessed life. I thank you for loving me and the time we had together on this earth. I aways admired your spirit, your positive and vibrant personality, your laugh that filled the room. You helped me over the years to be the best man I can be. I’ve grown spiritually and thank you for always supporting my vision, goals and dreams for our family. I could not ask for a better partner in life. You will always be with me, in my heart and my soul.
Rest Peacefully my Queen
Laurie, I will always remember you for your kindness and your generosity. Rest Easy. Love always Trish 🇻🇮🧡💙
Condolences to the Thomas Family from the Dreeman and Riley Families
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