Obituary
Jeremiah K. Thomas (Jerry) of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away on May 22nd, 2023. Jeremiah was born on May 5, 1963, to loving parents Gladys Pettyjohn and Michael Thomas. He was the older brother of Lisa Gail Thomas and spent many of his childhood days playing with and protecting his younger sister as they had adventures in the forest around their home.
Jeremiah was a devout Catholic and worshipped for many years at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish under the pastorship of Father Phil Egitto. Jeremiah spent the majority of his life loving and advocating for people and animals. Jeremiah took advocacy for the LGBTQ and addiction communities seriously. He served as the Executive Director for Hope 4 Life Center in Daytona for many years, as well as was also a board member of the Outreach Community Care Network. He loved animals, especially reptiles. He was an avid reptile collector from an early age. One of Jeremiah’s favorite places to visit and rest was the beach. Growing up on Long Island fostered this love and he made sure that wherever he resided, whether it be Costa Rica or the Daytona area, that there was always a beach nearby.
One of the resounding sentiments from many people who love Jeremiah is that he was full of life and laughter. He loved to tell jokes and to ensure that everyone around him was laughing and that they felt loved. Jeremiah was known for his generosity, welcoming smile, and peaceful nature. He coveted peace and family.
Jeremiah was preceded in death by his Mother, Gladys Marie Pettyjohn, and Father, Michael Thomas. He is survived by his sister, Lisa Gail Driver (Stacey), His nieces Rachel Haywood (William), Amanda Desimone (John), Sarah Maye, and His Nephew Timothy Maye, 3 great nephews and a great-niece, as well as a host of cousins and friends who have become family over the years.
The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 1st, 2023 at 1 pm and will take place at
Our Lady of Lourdes
201 University Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
To Send Flowers:
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish – Daytona Beach
Preferably Red Roses/Red Flowers
(386) 947-7273
If you would like to send monetary condolences, please, donate to the Human Rights Campaign
https://give.hrc.org/page/79561/donate/1?chain&ea.tracking.id=or_gnr_hrc_homepage_donate&_ga=2.141399418.991372529.1685056086-1618398574.1685056086
From left to right:
Sarah (niece), Tim (nephew), Jerry, Rachel (niece)