Matthew "Matt" H. Thomas

Matthew “Matt” H. Thomas, of Youngstown, Ohio, formerly of Farrell, Pennsylvania, transitioned from this life on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, following a sudden illness. He was 43.

Matthew was born June 20, 1981, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a son to Deborah L. Thomas & the late Robert L. Gamble.

He completed his High School education in 2000 online, then attended a community college where he received an associate & several certifications. This year Matt became a new member of Valley Baptist Church, Farrell.

He was employed throughout the valley as a laborer.

Matt was an amazing son, brother, father, uncle, and papa. Outside of watching his grandchildren, in his spare time, Matt was a motorcycle enthusiast. He also loved being outside in nature, embracing the tranquility of the woods. In addition, he was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving mother, Deborah L. Thomas; five sons, Romar Jackson, Quaraun Thomas, Avion Thomas, Aanerion Thomas, & Marshaun Hyman; two daughters, Da’Merra Thomas & Gianna (Thomas) Fleming; grandsons, Montana Malik Hyman & Aydin Warr; granddaughters, Anaeya Shanta Leigh Thomas & Mecca Monroe Hyman; his partner of a year and a half, Alicia Deflin, and her daughter, Alba Arnold; godchildren, Sadiya Austin, Masun Austin, and Lukas de Forest-Colon; siblings, Daniel (Clarissa) Odem, of Farrell, Karen (Tommy) Odem, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ronalda Brown, of West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, Anthony Thomas, of Farrell, Shawnta (Robert “Punchie”) Major, of Boardman, Ohio, Toi (Sean) Parker, of Maryland, Joseph Richardson, of Warren, Ohio, Eddie (Cornelia) Gamble, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Russell Bennett, of Youngstown, Johnny Kirby, of Farrell, Crystal Richardson, of Warren, Lavitia Gamble, of Tennessee, and Katrina Austin, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

His beloved wife, Shanta L. “Shonnie Bell” Thomas, whom he married August 17, 2000, preceded him in death on October 26, 2022. As well as his father; grandparents, James & Jerrie M. Thomas and Joe & Annie Mae (Carmichael) Gamble; brothers, Kenneth Thomas & Robert “Peanut” Brown; sister, Laura Gamble Sanders; uncle, Matthew Thomas; nephew, Demetrius Antonio Ray Phillips Odem; and niece, Mariah Brown.

A Home Going Service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Valley Baptist Church, 500 Sharon-New Castle Rd., Farrell, with Pastor T. James Harrison officiating. Family & friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. He will be laid to rest with family in Oakwood Cemetery, Sharon, Pennsylvania. 

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com 

Memorial contributions can be made payable to his family, who will determine an appropriate charity of remembrance.

Coordination of this tribute for Matthew was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, LLC, 379 State Route 7, SE, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. (330-509-3135)