Romaine B. Thomas Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-160

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

May 5, 2026

To honor and celebrate the life, legacy, and extraordinary public service of Mrs. Romaine B.
Thomas, a distinguished educator, civic leader, and lifelong Washingtonian whose
contributions strengthened the fabric of the District of Columbia, particularly the Ward 5
community.

WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas (June 5, 1929 – April 27, 2026) was a proud second-
generation Washingtonian born in historic Ivy City, a community whose history, culture, and
resilience shaped her life’s work and values;

WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas received her early education in the District of Columbia
Public Schools, attending Crummell Elementary School, Brown Junior High School, and
Cardozo High School, later earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Miners Teachers
College (now the University of the District of Columbia) and her Master of Arts degree from The
George Washington University;

WHEREAS, she further pursued advanced studies at Vanderbilt University and in
London, England, where she participated in a pioneering program on open-space education;

WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas began her professional career at Crummell Elementary
School—the same school she attended as a child—and went on to serve more than 25 years as
Principal of John Henry Ketchum Elementary School, where she was selected as one of only 54
principals nationwide to receive the National Distinguished Principal Award from the U.S.
Secretary of Education;

WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas demonstrated an enduring commitment to community service,
senior advocacy, youth empowerment, and historic preservation, focusing on “what really
matters in seniors’ lives—community, safety, financial security, aging in place, and supporting
independent living”;

WHEREAS, her civic leadership was extensive and influential, including service as:
• President, Woodridge Civic Association
• Second Vice President, DC Federation of Civic Associations
• DC Democratic Convention Chairwoman
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• Delegate, 2012 Democratic National Convention
• President, Executive Council of AARP DC
• Chairperson, DC Commission on Aging
• Member, Friends of Ivy City Task Force
• Member, DC Historic Preservation Board
• Board Member, DC Historic Preservation Board
• Member, Bethesda Baptist Church
• Member, Michigan Park Christian Church
• Life Member, Girl Friends, Inc.
• Member, The Paragons Club
• Member, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society;

WHEREAS, her service and impact were recognized through numerous honors, including
the Romaine B. Thomas Campus Dedication at Rocketship Public Charter School (Ward 5),
National Mother of the Year, the AARP Andrus Award, the Thurgood Marshall Phenomenal
Community Service Award, the Seabury Community Service Award, and her appointment to the
Age-Friendly DC Task Force;

WHEREAS, Mrs. Thomas was a devoted wife to the late Councilmember Harry L.
Thomas Sr., a loving mother to Debra Truhart (Spillman K. Truhart Jr.) and former
Councilmember Harry L. Thomas Jr. (Diane Romo Thomas);

WHEREAS, she was the grandmother of 8 grandchildren — Anthony Gause, Spillman
K. Truhart Jr., Danae L. Truhart, Kendrick Thomas, Stephan K. Truhart (Abigail Truhart), Harry
L. Thomas III, Raye L. Thomas, and Kai L. Thomas — and the great-grandmother of six great-
grandchildren;

WHEREAS, she also leaves a loving extended family including her sister-in-law Joyce
Bell, her nieces Joy Lynn Bell and Lynette Bell Kirk, and her nephew Anthony Eldrey Bell,
along with a host of additional relatives and loved ones; and

WHEREAS, her life’s work embodied excellence, service, dignity, and an unwavering
commitment to the people of the District of Columbia.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Romaine B. Thomas Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors the life and legacy of Mrs.
Romaine B. Thomas, expresses its profound gratitude for her decades of service to the District,
and extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the Ward 5 community she so
deeply loved.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.