DJuan Rochelle Thomas

"D'Juan's Last Nature Walk"

Cherished family members of  D'Juan Thomas cordially invite you to join  them for a memorial nature walk in Kiroli Park on October 13, 2024, from 3:30p - 6:00p. Refreshments, and greeting friends from far and near, will begin around 3:30ish. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets, if you so desire.  Expressions and tributes to this gentle soul, whose mission in life, was to educate young people (and some elders, also) will begin about 4:30p.  When fond memories have been shared, we will join together, one last time, and take a walk through a park that brought "Stu," so much joy, so much peace.  Even though he has taken wings and flown off to that special place, the memories of this gentle soul will remain with all of us who loved him.  FOREVER!

Born on a balmy Monday, September 24, 1973, to be exact, to Oretha Cotton and John Thomas, D'Juan's life was filled with beauty, creativity, love, excitement, and adventures far too numerous to mention.   He was a proud member of Bastrop High School's Class of 1991.  He studied Mass Communications at Northeast Louisiana University (ULM).  Stu wore many hats.  He delighted in sharing the spoken and written word with people.  He thoroughly enjoyed his tenure as editor of the Bastrop Enterprise.  But, his most rewarding position was Director of English Language Arts at Sage Group America, LLC.  This position afforded him the opportunity to work with young people, and prepare them for LEAP testing and other academic testing. He loved touching the lives of  young people. His gentleness, his patience, and his genuine concern for young people were evident. He traveled the nation with his Uncle Henry preparing young people for life after high school. His gift of making concepts and ideas crystal clear to students who struggled in regular classrooms was amazing. Stu was an artist; a graphic illustrator, who spoke volumes with his works of art. 

He adored his family. He would travel to Jackson to keep Matera's girls. He would show up on Awards' Day when least expected.  He would plan excursions to watch an eclipse or a sun rise or a moon set. He loved sharing his vast knowledge of anything and everything with his beloved nieces and nephews, especially Joseph Mansfield and Deuce Damon.  On any given day, one of them would say to their Mom or Dad , " I'm going to hang out with Uncle Stu today." And, with bag in hand, a new adventure would begin.  Stu's canine companion, Leo, preceded him in death.

Left to reflect on the life of  are his parents, Oretha and John Thomas, two brothers: Shawn Thomas and Thaddeus Thomas, three sisters: Angelique Ward, Brandi Damon, and Sequita Hill, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will forever remember Stu!  His enduring legacy is a tapestry of courage, love, benevolence.

Intimations of Immortality

What though the radiance which was once so bright~
Be now forever taken from our sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind.

Rest, Dear Stu!

"Your Strength Remains!"

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