Calvary Baptist Church Honors It's First Lady
By Web Staff
On June 28, 2009, members of Calvary Baptist Church gathered to honor Calvary's First Lady, Sister Janie R. Thomas. They were joined by many of Sister Thomas' colleagues, friends and admirers. Janie Thomas has served as First Lady of Calvary Baptist for the past twenty years, alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Gregory E. Thomas. 
Sister Thomas has brought a wealth of happiness and joy to many over the years and many were the recollections and reflections shared. Dance was offered by M'Kadesh, Calvary's Liturgical Dance Ministry and the Youth Mass Choir. The sermon was delivered by Minister Kelly Wright-McCray, Los Angeles, CA.
Born in Laurel, Mississippi and raised in Canton, Ohio, Sister Thomas has been involved in the church since she was a little girl. As a youth, she was involved in Easter and Christmas pageants, was a youth delegate to the National Baptist Sunday School Congress, and was a high school speech champion.
Sister Thomas strongly believes in doing things decently and in order. She strives to teach youth and others, that there is a better way to do things, and it is not a crime to do your best. At Calvary, the First Lady has instituted many programs. They include the Mother/Daughter Tea, Father/Son Brunch, Hallelujah Night, the Easter Egg Hunt, Precious Moments, Youth Rally, the Young David's Club, and the Women's Day unveiling.
Professionally, she has a degree in communications from Wayne State University and holds national certification in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Janie has also worked as a home economist as well as lead chef for a major international technology firm. Presently she is the Director of Personna Executive Services, a company specializing in event planning. Her clients include the National Democratic Club, Washington D.C., National Black McDonald's Operators Association, and Soulfood Concepts. Personna has also coordinated four events for the Congressional Black Caucus Institute during the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Recently, Sister Thomas has been selected as a member of the 8th Edition of the 2000 Notable American /women, and completed her first cookbook, Irresistible Recipes.
The First Lady is still very much in love with her husband of 30 years, the Rev. Dr. Gregory E. Thomas. Her greatest accomplishment in life has been to be the mother of her children, Staff Sergeant Eli Doyon (Jacqueline), and Jennifer Laurene, and her "adopted daughter" Ms. Rolanda Green.
Sister Thomas personifies the spirit of the Loving Heart Award, which she helped initiate as a former program chairperson of Women's Day. She believes in the fellowship of God's people. Her favorite Scripture is 1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, that ye may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ."
