Mrs. Marie Elsie Rashada

Marie Elsie (Bosley) Thomas Rashada was born on March 31, 1939 in Natchez, Mississippi into the union of the late Joseph Bosley Sr. and Carrie E. (Bernard) Bosley. She was the fourth of five children. Marie departed this life on July 12, 2022 at Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights, Texas. At a young age, Marie confessed her faith in Christ at China Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Natchez, MS. Marie’s mother taught her to play the organ/piano, how to cook, and how to sew. Marie was hired to be the organist/pianist at numerous churches in Mississippi during her early years, which helped to cultivate her talent for playing the organ and piano. Marie attended Natchez College, where she received her formal education. While attending school, Marie performed as a member of the glee club under the direction of Professor Kind. The glee club was well-renowned for their talents, performing at many venues throughout the South. Marie graduated from Natchez Junior College on May 26, 1958. Marie was united in Holy Matrimony to Elijah Thomas Sr. in 1958. To this union seven children were born, two of which preceded Marie in death. Marie and Elijah were married for 38 years, until Elijah Sr.’s passing after a lengthy illness in 1996. In 1998, Marie married Abdur-Rahim Rashada of Saginaw, MI. Marie and Abdur were married for 19 years. This union brought together two loving and humble families, consisting of 11 devoted children. Marie and her family relocated to Saginaw, MI in the late 1950s, where she converted to Islam and served as a long-time faithful member of the Islamic Center of Saginaw. She served diligently as the leader of the Surety Board and the Kitchen. Marie graciously visited and cared for the sick and shut-in, providing sustenance and emotional support. Marie was dearly devoted to her family and her love for cooking, sewing, and music. She enjoyed playing the organ/piano and singing songs from the heart to the one from which she received her strength, gifts, and blessings; The Creator, God Almighty, Allah. Marie spent many years playing the organ/piano for local churches, even teaching children how to play. She was a master seamstress who was sought out by local businesses to do alterations, supplying services daily for many years. Marie’s customers were very grateful for her services and her abilities. Marie was a woman of faith, strength, love commitment, resource, and wisdom. She was a God-fearing and virtuous woman, and a faithful and loyal friend. Marie was preceded in death by both parents Joseph Bosley Sr. and Carrie E. (Bernard) Bosley; both husbands Elijah Thomas Sr. and Abdur-Rahim Rashada; brothers Joseph Bosley Jr. and Sam Bosley; sister Ruby L. Wilson; son David E. Thomas and daughter Sheila M. Freeman; step-son Maurice Tate and step-grandson Ali S. Rashada. Marie leaves to cherish her memories: her sister Deloris Brooks, Memphis, TN; sons Elijah Thomas Jr. of Saginaw, MI, Samuel (Marcelyn) Thomas of Grand Rapids, MI and Craig Thomas of Temple, TX; her daughters Brenda (Delbert) Irving of Killeen, TX and Bridget (Mark) Thomas of Killeen, TX; Stepsons William Tate of Rockford, IL, Rahim S. (Jamillah) Rashada of Las Vegas, NV; stepdaughters Hafeeza Rashada of Wayne, MI and Fathiyyah Rashada of Westland, MI; 35 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones. Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. Iman Robert Shaheed. Interment is in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m.

Mrs. Marie Elsie Rashada

March 31, 1939 - July 12, 2022