"His Story"


The tip-off came On April 8, 1982 in Oklahoma City, when a bundle of joy was delivered to Venice Leroy Thomas, Sr. and Jacquelyn Marie Murrell Thomas. Their bundle of joy was a "bouncing" baby boy they named Latif Barkaree Thomas. Affectionately referred to as "T.C." by his family and friends, he grew up in Oklahoma City with his brother Venice Leroy "Tee" Thomas Jr., or "Po Tee." His brother also referred to him as "Fred," from time to time. He along with his first cousins Mark Murrell and Larry Reid Jr. grew up as close as brothers. T.C. also grew up with a host of other cousins that he shared loving memories with.



Halftime occurred during Latif's junior high and high school years. Growing up a true Falcon, T.C. received his formal education from pre-school, culminating with his graduation from Millwood High School with the Historic & Proud Class of 2000. Millwood's small size produced a family like atmosphere for all grades. There at Millwood, Latif participated in track and basketball during his junior and high school years. He along with his cousin Larry Reid, Jr. and being coached by his brother Venice would capture a 3-on-3 Hoops tournament hosted in Downtown Oklahoma City. One of his proudest moments in high school occurred during the 1999 season where he helped lead the Mighty Falcons to a State Championship. Upon graduation, he attended Jackosn State University in Jackson, Mississippi, where his candor and demeanor also spread. He would return to Oklahoma City, where he began his career with Reynolds Ford of Edmond. T.C. was funny, laid back, yet charming, and was a reserved young man with a smile that would win your heart immediately. T.C. truly admired his brother and was the apple of his parent's eyes.



The Rebound occurred when T.C. gave his life to the Lord at The Church Triumphant Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Michael Alexander. There, Latif and his family were baptized in the Spirit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Latif was a loving son, brother, cousin, and friend. He was also an exceptional uncle. On February 7, 2011 he showed the Man we all knew him to be when he became a father when Liana Olivia Thomas was introduced to the world. He was a loving and devoted dad to his beautiful daughters Liana and Layla, and a loving husband to his wife Bettina. He was also a devoted grandson, cousin, friend, and co-worker. He may have been small in stature, but towered high in character.

Sweet Victory came early Friday morning on August 12, 2011, when Latif was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Avis and Tobe H. Murrell. His precious lifetime of memories will be cherished by his loving parents, Venice and Jacquelyn Thomas Sr., Oklahoma City, OK., his daughters Liana and Layla; his wife Bettina, Oklahoma City, OK., his brother Venice Thomas Jr. and wife Dana Thomas and their children L'Tora and Desmond Bryant, RaiDion Fails, Amirah Thomas, and Avis Thomas, Oklahoma City, OK., his maternal grandmother Ruth Murrell and paternal grandmother Bonnie Reid; his nieces Jalia Hadley, Chloe Hadley, Airana Hadley, Malachi Hadley; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and caring friends.

Services to Celebrate and Honor the life of Latif are scheduled for Wednesday August 17, 2011 at 11AM at Community Lighthouse located at 4004 Jones Boulevard near SE 59th and Sunny Lane Road. Friends may visit Mr. Thomas as he peacefully rests on Tuesday at Rolfe Funeral Home in Oklahoma City from 10AM to 8PM.

The Latif Thomas Family Support Trust has been set up at Midfirst Bank to assist his daughters for anyone who would like to donate to the girls can do so at any time.