Rufus Rendell Thomas, better known as “Rendell” or “Bus’ Dem,” died at home on Jan. 2. He was 87 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frances and Nathaniel Thomas; daughter, Catherine Queeley; siblings: Wellington Thomas, Winford Charles Thomas and Neuvie Gumbs.
He leaves to mourn: his former wife, Marion Thomas; children/stepchildren and their spouses: Doretta Dunrod, Althea Queeley, Teega Queeley, Barba Queeley, Eustace Queeley, Marva Willette, Anthony Willette, Shona. Rendell “Dion” Thomas (Nikki), Daryl Thomas (Stella), Roy Marius, Michael Marius and Velda Vanterpool (Leo); and adopted daughter, Carolie Blake.
He is also survived by grandchildren/step-grandchildren and their spouses: Aaron, Aiden, Amaya, Jaeden, Ravyn, Fitzroy (Nichole), Kanika, Wayne, Demari, Malicia, Shemar, Djaaden, Roy, Joyante, Xavier, Darel, Kadeem and Rochelle; adopted grandchildren: Cristianne, Shantel and Sherel; brothers: Dr. Bentley Thomas, Paul (Joker) Thomas and Jefferson Thomas; and sisters: Mamrie Thomas and Emily Lake.
Other survivors include nephews: Alston Thomas, Evan Thomas, Johnny Thomas, Bentley Thomas Jr., Michael Thomas, Malvern Gumbs, Alexander Thomas, Eldon Thomas, Tashan Thomas, Avernell Thomas, Vernon Benjamin, Gregory Coward Sr., Jamil Hackett, Darren Thomas, Barrington Thomas Sr. and Marthford Thomas; nieces: Amifa Thomas- Connors, Angela Thomas, Ashtoreth Thomas-Wood, Ferdella Thomas-King, Danielle King, Karen Jarvis, Lisa Thomas, Abigail Thomas, Mirida Gumbs, Minova Gumbs-Cherival, Shahema Thomas, Sharesa Thomas, Shahedy Thomas, Khisha Thomas, Tiffany Thomas, Janice Benjamin and Jane Benjamin; sisters-in-law: Alphonsine Thomas, Joycelyn Thomas and Juanita Thomas; brother-in-law, Davis Gumbs; and several other family members too numerous to mention.
The viewing will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. followed by funeral services celebrating his life at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, in Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (The purple church on the hill), Smith Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Interment will follow at Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay.
Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made online at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com. Professional services have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services., 3815 Crown Bay, Ste 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802.
