Demarlon Cenaka Elon Thomas

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Our beloved son, grandson, brother, father, nephew, cousin and cherished friend DeMarlon C. Thomas was rewarded his wings on Monday, January 23, 2017. DeMarlon was born August 30, 1985 in Saginaw, Michigan to LaFrance Thomas and Ricardo Foster.
He was a lifelong member of Victorious Believers Ministries Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop Marvin C. Pryor, currently Pastor Christopher V. Pryor. DeMarlon loved and excelled in mathematics which landed him a spot in the National Honor Society while attending Webber Middle School. He also loved football and was honored to be the first lineman to score a touchdown on rival Arthur Hill High School as a player for the Saginaw High School Trojans. As a graduate of Saginaw High, Class of 2003, DeMarlon went on to attend Minnesota West Community College as a scholarship recipient.
DeMarlon acquired a deep interest in reading, journaling, spiritual devotion and physical fitness, running up to six miles daily. DeMarlon exhibited an exuberant love for his honorary nieces, godchildren, cousins and friends. He was a delight to everyone he encountered and brought joy to the lives of all. DeMarlon was affectionately known as a genuine, loving person with an infectious laugh that no one could resist. He will be missed by all.
DeMarlon leaves to cherish his loving memory his Mother, LaFrance; Father, Ricardo (Ruth) Foster; one Son, Cordell DeGraffenried; Grandparents, Willie Jane Thomas, Carolyn Foster and Lewis (Marine) Foster; God-parents, Vincent Mac and Mom Frances Moncrief; nine God-children, TAngel and Layla Harris, Deyonn, Deiara, DeAndria, December, Demia and Drew Turner and JaMiya Pratt-Cameron; Dearest Sister, Reshauna Foster; Brother, Jamaar Gilmer, Niece, Aalaja Gilmer; Aunts, Loretta Thomas, Yolander Foster, Towana (Jasper) Powell, Kay (Leonard) Foster, Chestermae (Dr. Byron C.) Hayes, Moranda Jones, Claudia (Paul) Granderson, Margaret (Lee) Jackson, Dora Tyson; Uncles, Jimmie Thomas, Herbert Thomas, Dwayne (Roshell) Thomas, Lorrell (Felessia) Thomas, Gregory Foster, Myron Foster, Andre Foster, Damien Foster, Elder Alvin (Helen) Jones, Uncle Ronnie (Rose) Bryant, Sr., James (Elizabeth) Green; Special cousins, Jermanece and Jasmia Powell, Dwayne, Torrelee and Candace Brazil, Nastasia, Keyanna, Kenyanna, Torriono, Sharrell, Angerrell, Tiffany, Aiisha, Tyquisha, Hubert, and Adore Thomas, Shelina (Reg) Thomas-Harris, DeVonna Collins, NaTasha Tucker, DeeAngila and Bruce Wallace, Willie Dawson, Adrian, Victoria, Anthony, Nicole, Allen, Morgan and Christian Foster, Jason Hayes, Tori Hillard and Quintana George; Mentors, Deacon William (Mattie) Parker, Omowale Art Smith, Tommy Howard and Coach Don Durrett; Special Friends, Tiera Brazil Turner, Britney Roberson-Prescott, Dr. Ashley Talley-Woodson, LaSonya Degraffenried, LaShawn Johnson, Marsharee Babers, Walter Magee, DAngelo Trice, Morie Braden, Ronnie Bryant, II, Ryan Bryant and Ronita Bryant-Cannon, Johnny Boggs, Antwon Shivers, Terrance Harris, Anthony Roberson, Anthony Rogers, Demarcus Phillips, Andre Brown and LaMarr Woodley.
DeMarlon was preceded in death by his Grandfather, Robert Lee Green; Great-Grand-Parents, Willie (Dossie) Dawson, Willie (Beatrice) Jones; Special Friends, Mother Rebecca Hunter, Horace Thomas, Troy West, DLaurence McCall, Deyon Brazil and Terrance Harris, Jr.
The family would like to express special thanks to President Barack Obama, Word of Faith International Ministries, Victorious Believers Ministries, Michael Romano at Stanford Law School, DeMarlons attorneys, Angela Zhu and Robert A. Zauzmet, and Ivan E. Phillips and the staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
2 Corinthians 5:8
To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.