Demond S Thomas

Born May 26, 1978, DEMOND SHERROD THOMAS was delivered at Sinai Hospital. He was the first child of both parents, Evangeline Barnes and James Thomas. As a child, he was gifted a little white wooden piano and it altered the course of his life. He received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Forest Park High School in 1996.

While at Forest Park High School, Demond met Timothy Green, his then music teacher and one of his many mentors. Mr. Green helped to cultivate Demond’s musical gift and nurtured his growth as a musician. As a result of that mentorship Demond earned the affectionate title of Maestro. In his youth, Demond belonged to the Free Will Baptist Church Conference where he played for The Young People’s Congress. He also lent his talents to the ministries of Zion Temple Fellowship Church, Priceless Son Worship Center, St. Paul Free Will Baptist Church, and New Creation Christian Church. His mentors in the music ministry included Alvin Richardson, Eddie Pool, Anthony Pollard, Rusty Saunders, and Tim Carrington just to name a few. Demond’s musical genius earned him the nickname "88 Fingers" because of how fluently his fingers would glide across the keyboard. Demond was a song writer, producer, director, and playwright who not only played the keyboard but excelled at playing the organ, trumpet, and drums.

Demond met Nikita Saunders and her son, Damante Saunders, and fell in love with them both. They were married soon thereafter, and from that union they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Zaraya M. Thomas. Demond and Nikita remained great friends after divorcing until his passing. During his forty-three years of life, he formed relationships that stood the test of time, including close friendships with the members of the gospel group Excellent Praise. In that group he worked alongside Thomas Aaron, Maurice Carroll and godbrother, Daryl Dillard Jr.

During his journey with Christ, Huber Memorial Church gave Demond a whole new family. He had great respect for Pastor P.M. Smith’s leadership, an uncompromising but simplistic approach to the teaching of the Gospel. "The Corner," Huber’s band, was his secret place. It was where the worship began but never ended. His warmth, smile and talent will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Evangeline Barnes; father: James Thomas, and grandmothers: Faith McNair and Doris Jett.

Demond leaves to cherish his loving memory, his daughter: Zaraya Thomas; son: Damonte Saunders; bonus daughter: Janaya Saunders; granddaughter: Abrianna Saunders; grandson: August Jetter; sister: Akisha Barnes (Derik Barnes); brothers: David Johnson, William Thomas, James Thomas and Clayton Thomas; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family, church family and friends.