Nathaniel Thomas Jr.

Nathaniel Thomas Jr. (Nate) was born June 27, 1951 to Nathaniel Thomas Sr. and Annie Mae Scott Thomas in Brookhaven, MS. The family relocated to Joliet when Nate was one year of age to provide a better life.  

Nate attended Joliet Public Schools.  After graduating, he went on to attend Joliet Junior College where he studied culinary arts.  He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed preparing special dishes, especially gumbo.  He and Stephanie enjoyed having family and friends over for good food and fellowship.  

His great passion was working in his yard.  He looked forward to planting season; this is something he planned for all year long.  He would purchase seeds from many sources, and his home was surrounded by perennials that he looked forward to seeing come back every year.  He would continuously buy annuals, bushes and pretty pots to add to his ‘forest of flowers and bushes.”  He shared his love for the beauty of flowers and plants and made his mother’s yard beautiful also.

Nate was not a religious man, but he was a man of tremendous faith.  He understood that it was about his own personal relationship with his God and the care for his fellow man.  This was especially evidenced by his love and care for his family.  He made several trips to Mississippi to find information on family genealogy.  He believed that it is important to know one’s roots and all should always strive to do their best.  These are the qualities he instilled in his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  His motto was “keep it moving.”

Nate was a dedicated and hard-working man whether at home or on the job. He took pride in doing things well.  He was employed with ComEd/Midwest Gen for over 40 years until his health began to fail and he had to retire.  Even then he continued to manicure his yard.

Nate was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Annie Mae Thomas; his brother, Soloman Robinson (Shirley); his youngest daughter, Natalie Nicole Thomas; his sister and brother-in-law Martina and Jerry Page; brother-in-law and friend, John Bolton; and granddaughter, Norianna Galvin.

Nate passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

He leaves to cherish the special memories, his devoted wife, Stephanie Y. McSwine-Thomas; children: Tracie V. Thomas, Maurice Malone Jr. (Tanisha), Michael R. Dennie Jr., and Nathaniel Thomas III (Leilani); grandchildren: Jalen Rainey, Kemauri Malone, Mekhi Malone, Zaria Thomas, Khaiman Malone, Milani Malone, and his latest grandchild that gave him so much joy, Baby Elias Z. Thomas. Nate will be greatly missed by his sisters that he held so dear, Zattie Mae Thomas and Lorraine Bolton.  He was just known as “Uncle” by his nieces and nephews and they will miss him tremendously as will his, aunts, uncles, cousins, and several long-standing friends.

A special thank you is extended to our wonderful neighbors, Ron and Jeff, Wade and Sandy, along with other neighbors and friends, for always keeping a watchful eye on Nate and lending a helping hand on so many occasions, without so much as a request.

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