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HerStory

Meet Suretta Thomas, a remarkable woman whose life story embodies the transformative power of resilience, unwavering faith, and boundless love. Born into a tightly-knit family, she was the youngest of six siblings—two girls and four boys—cherished and nurtured by her beloved parents, Olivia and William Dirtion.

However, life took an unexpected turn when tragedy struck at the tender age of ten. Olivia, Suretta’s cherished mother, lost her battle to cancer, leaving a profound void that seemed impossible to fill. This devastating loss was further compounded by a sudden separation from her four siblings, forcing her to seek solace with her brother.

Separated from her family, Suretta faced unimaginable challenges, her heart heavy with grief. Yet, her unyielding faith in God remained steadfast, buoyed by her grandmother, Carrie Patterson, whose fervent prayers became a beacon of hope. Through divine intervention and the strength of her grandmother’s faith, Suretta was reunited with her family in Boston, where the bonds of kinship were rekindled.

 

For Lady Suretta her life scripture is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” She declares with her whole heart that God has done this and so much more!

Today, Suretta stands as a pillar of strength beside her husband, Pastor D. James Thomas, in their shared ministry at Appointed City Church. Together, they bring inspiration, guidance, and unwavering devotion to their congregation. Their love story has been blessed with seven beautiful children—five girls and two boys—bringing boundless joy and laughter into their lives.

Suretta’s journey of dedication and compassion extends far and wide. She pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, discovering her passion for helping those in need, whether by feeding the homeless or raising funds for essential care. She extended her hand to people from all walks of life, offering solace and support in their emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.

In addition to her impactful community work, Suretta is a devoted kindergarten teacher, believing that the Lord has gifted her with a unique talent for educating children. Her passion for teaching shines brightly in her classroom, where she imparts not just knowledge but also love to her students.

 

Beyond her roles as a teacher and mother, Suretta has created a haven for women to connect, learn, and grow. She founded the annual ‘SheIs’ Mother’s Day brunch—an empowering event celebrating women from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for uplifting women led to the launch of ‘SheIs DreamingBold,’ a program dedicated to nurturing the dreams of young girls and women. Additionally, she established the ‘SheIs Mentorship Program,’ offering guidance and support to the next generation of leaders.

Suretta’s life story is a powerful reminder that through unwavering faith and boundless love, one can triumph over even the most profound challenges and emerge stronger, poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her journey is an inspiration, a testament to the indomitable human spirit, and a shining example of the enduring power of faith and love.