Through all the changing scenes of life
In trouble and in joy
The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ
Where do I begin? News of your passing hit me like a ton of bricks for there's no one like you, who I can turn to for counselling. You were always hale and hearty, and ready, be it to console or mend a broken spirit, pray for our family, family business, mourn or celebrate birthdays with us. I recall your "surprise" visit to our home in 2014 after I returned to Freetown (at the height of the Ebola epidemic). It was as if my late mother sent you, in the nick of time, to lift my spirits up as I was alone and other family members were abroad at that time. I can certainly say that after we talked and you prayed for me that day, there was a pep in my step and I believed all will be well. Fast forward to July 2017, you were away from Freetown but heard it was my 50th birthday. You did one better, and called me via WhatsApp and sang "Happy Birthday" in your sonorous voice. I will never forget how you made me feel. At my father's 80th birthday two years ago, you were his special guest amongst other guests. I've always enjoyed how he would tease you about being a Prince of Wales boy and I'm sure a bit of that was going on here again in the attached photo. I'm looking at my phone now, and the last time we spoke was on December 24, 2020 when we exchanged Season's greetings and discussed updated selections of bread for collection at Siaka Stevens Street.
Canon Emerson Thomas, from my days as a student at the Annie Walsh Memorial School right through my adulthood, you've been a caring, compassionate, God-loving soul and constant presence in my life. You will be sorely missed, you are much loved and I trust will never be far away in spirit.
Fare thee well. Rest in perfect peace and may light perpetual shine on you.
Michelle Jones