Thomas Sullivan, a native and lifelong resident of Mobile County, exchanged his earthly life for eternal joy in his heavenly home on April 23, 2020. He was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Comer (Wilma) Sullivan in Mount Vernon, Alabama. He received his early education in the Mobile County Public School System. Upon graduating from Rosa A. Lott High School in 1960, Thomas attended Alabama State College (Mobile branch) and later enrolled at Alabama State College in Montgomery, AL., where he earned a B.S. in Social Science and Music. He earned a Master's degree in Education from Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL. He did further study at the University of South Alabama, pursuing a Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. His occupations included: high school band director in Perry, Dallas and Baldwin counties (first African- American male teacher/band director, Foley High School) for a combined period of 10 years, vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Alabama (Mobile) for 15 years, and represented District 2 on the Mobile City Council for sixteen years (1989-2005). He was a powerful advocate for his district and supported so many of the early initiatives to revitalize downtown Mobile. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching basketball and football games and during his youth, refereeing middle and high school basketball games. A humanitarian and servant leader, Mr. Sullivan was an active member of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, Prichard, Alabama and involved in numerous civic and political organizations. Mr. Sullivan is preceded in death by his parents, Comer and Wilma Sullivan; sister, Emma Marshall; brothers, Comer Sullivan Jr. and Levern Sullivan. He is survived by a loving and dedicated wife, Mattie Sullivan, three devoted children: Katrice (Gerald) Cunningham, Dr. Tonishia (Richi) Whitlow, and Thomas (Jessica) Sullivan; four grandchildren: Skylar Whitlow, Kierstyn Cunningham, Richi Whitlow Jr., and Dylan Thomas Sullivan. His siblings include: a devoted sister, Juanita Barnes; five brothers, Herman (Eva) Sullivan, Spencer Sullivan, Charles (Ruthie) Sullivan, Reginald Sullivan, Charles Turner and a host of nieces, nephews and devoted family friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2020 from 4 – 5 p.m. in the chapel of Reese Funeral Home 925 S. Bessemer Ave. Prichard, AL. A private service will be held Monday, May 4, 2020. A public memorial will be held at a later date.
A private service will be held.
Ms Sullivan, You had been my high school history teacher you talk about how great this man was. When I got to meet him he was a kind sweet man and I know you loved him dearly. I pray for you in this time of need and may god watch over you.