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Jerry Thomas, office administrator at the Berkeley Drop-In Center on Adeline Street died of complications from asthma last month. Jerry worked as a disability check distributor and general office administrator for the past 10 years. She was 54. 

Born in Louisiana, Thomas came to California in 1972 after living in Dallas for two years, where she participated in the Job Corps.  

Those who knew Jerry loved her. Carmen Spencer knew Thomas for many years and credits Thomas with encouraging her to seek help in an alcohol and drug program. “Jerry had a love for human beings,” Spencer said. 

Emmitt Hutson, Drop-In Center program coordinator and Thomas’ boss, described her as “a very loving and caring person.” Rose Ranson, Jerry’s co-worker for some four years, said Jerry was “inspirational.”  

Another co-worker, Sandra Romero, said Jerry was “always bright. She set the atmosphere. She was fun to work with and was like a sister to me.” 

Joycee Thomas, Jerry’s daugh-ter, said of her mother, “She always helped people unconditionally.” 

Thomas was my payee for over a year when I first went on disability. She was very helpful paying my rent and bills when I was sick and needed assistance. She had a very warm personality, a good sense of humor, and I felt like I could talk to her about almost anything. When I no longer needed her services and moved to Oakland, I would drop by to see Jerry whenever I could.  

On the wall outside Jerry’s old office is a large card with many messages of love and praise for Jerry Thomas from the community. 

Jerry Thomas is survived by two boys and two girls.