Barbara Denise (King) Thomas

Giving her parents a new dance, Barbara Denise King was born to Theodore and Bernice King on January 12, 1960.  Adding graceful movement to the King family, Barbara was the dedicated sister to an adoring brother, Reginald and loving sister, Patricia.  Talented from the very start, Barbara had a quickstep and love for God, family and dancing.  Exceptionally passionate as a child, she was agile and quick witted which made her stand out at Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized.  Always leaving her elegant mark everywhere she went, Barbara’s beautiful beginning was more like a dance recital and celebration as she brought entertainment to not only her siblings and parents, but to everyone she met.

As a proud student at Phillips High School, Barbara valued her education and was exceptionally popular.  Always, smiling and talking; she never met a stranger.  Graduating from Phillips in 1978; It was here that she met and married her new dance partner, Michael Eric Thomas on April 19, 1980. With a phenomenal love between the two: Barbara and Michael’s two-step union became a trio with the addition of their daughter, Mikesha Dena.   Happily married the family grew again with the blessing of a son, Michael Jr to complete their family dance team.  With her growing family and enjoying the addition of the new Thomas family as loving and supportive in-laws; Barbara’s life seemed happily complete. Passing the talent down to her kids, Barbara truly enjoyed being with her family and extended family. Her general aura was always like a celebration, no matter what was going wrong… Barbara always made life like a party. Waltzing into a new career, Barbara thrived as a cardiovascular technician at UAB where she strutted the hallways giving life, smiles and hope to her patients.

Never missing a beat Barbara was steadfast and confident in her love for God and she and her family became dedicated members of Winewood Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor John H. Davis Jr.  Leaning on her love for the Lord, Barbara found her true ministry and led Winewood’s Praise Dance Team with her other passion—dance.  She started the dance group, Generations of Praise. Members of the group consist of Barbara (Mother), her daughter, and granddaughters. Choreographing the praise dance for church brought joy to not only her but all others who watched her bask in this amazing talent.  With her children and adoring husband by her side; Barbara mastered the dance of Grandmothering in allegro.  Her proudest accomplishments being not only her children, but the blessing of six grandchildren: Harmony, Wesley, Reagan, Ari, Jamari and Aiden. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “My Barbara.”  Nothing could stop her laughter, her smile or dance… My Barbara remained dancing for the Lord at church until the end. 

Leaving behind to cherish her memory is her beloved husband Michael Sr, and her two faithful children: Mikesha (Steven), Mike Jr.  Heartfelt siblings, Reginald and Patricia as well as six grandchildren:  Harmony, Wesley, Reagan, Ari, Jamari and Aiden.  Numerous extended family, friends and church family that will truly miss the life, the dance, the recital of Barbara King Thomas.

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