Jalynn A. Thomas

Jalynn A. Thomas

John Aquinas Thomas (dead name) 64, died December 10, 2024 at 2252hrs, peacefully at home in Bowie, Maryland, with family at her side, after suffering many years with cardiopulmonary disease. She is survived by her dear friend and companion of 37 years Karen Marie Kline Gonzalez, Karen's daughter Daelyn, Karen's grandson Naveen, her sisters Katherine Eamon (Kerri McDaniel), Bernadette Thomas (Marcella Biggens), brothers Andy (Becky), Patrick (Diana Bales), nieces Michael, Guinevere, Rachael, Brianna, nephews Christoper (Sarah), Ian, great nieces Emma, Maya, Ellie, great nephews Bishop and Gabe, and many loved Searles and Cold cousins.

Jalynn was the fifth child and fourth son born to Joseph A. Thomas Retired US Army Staff Sergeant and Phyllis A. Thomas RN (Turton). Jalynn was preceded in death by her parents Phyllis and Joe, her brothers Michael and Matthew, and Matthew's son Gage.

As teenager she rode a unicycle dressed as a clown and volunteered in many Prince George's County parades and events. Before her transition she was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. She attended Bladensburg High School, Prince George's Community College and Bellingham Technical College.

Jalynn was a wayfarer and adventurer her entire live. She hitchhiked across the United States several times. She spent formative years living on the Mediterranean Sea and forever loved being by the water. She worked in shipyards and on seafaring vessels of every size, as a crew cook, deckhand, machinist, supervisor, and livaboard. She worked many jobs in many states and enjoyed reminiscing the last years of her life. She was one of seven Army brats. She loved sand sculptures on the beach. For many years she lived and worked between Missoula, Montana, Seattle and Bellingham, Washington and Alaska. She eventually returned to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where she volunteered at an assisted living facility, and was loved by the staff and residents. During her life she enjoyed riding her motorcycle, knot-tying, and was devoted to her dogs Rocky and Mr. Boots. Jalynn and Rocky were well known in Missoula. She spent her last 18 months in Bowie being cared for by family and friends. She enjoyed two dogs at her home, playing computer games, sitting outdoors, and cooking. She loved rechauffe and had an unrelenting sweet tooth. Her favorites were pecan pie, Cinnabon rolls and ice cream sandwiches. She still rooted for the Montana Grizzlies football team. She was an excellent teacher and was generous with her skills and knowledge. She always pitched in and helped with any job or project. When she could no longer help, she was a great supervisor. She was a transgender activist.

She never met a stranger and had the gift of gab. She was always good natured, kind, never complained, was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be forever missed. She was a gentle soul from her first breath to her last.

"From my rotting body, flowers will grow and I am in them and that is eternity." Edvard Munch

A Celebration of her Life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in her name to The American Heart Association or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.