Bishop Wilbert Thomas Sr. (Bishop A. D. L’Bert) departed from this life on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the age of 91.
He was born in Waycross, Georgia on November 12, 1929, to Valdosta and Pinkie Jane Thomas. He lived many years in Princeton, New Jersey, Salineville, Ohio, and his later years in Akron, Ohio. Bishop Thomas was married to Gracienne L’Bert for 73 years and they had seven children.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ and served as a minister, pastor, and Bishop for most of his life. He and his wife, Gracienne L’Bert, charitably shared their lives and their family. They provided for church members and taught Christian principles of godliness and the way of truth. He was a highly skilled and gifted musician and composer of music and lyrics of many inspirational songs which includes (i.e., “The Song of Love” and “Heaven Smile on Me” and many others). He was a hunter, master fisherman, and used his gifts to provide food for his family and the church members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Valdosta and Pinkie Jane Thomas; his wife Gracienne L’Bert (Bertha Thomas), and their beloved son, Iyube L’Bert (Derwin Thomas)
He will be remembered by his children: Bwai L’Bert, Wilbert Thomas Jr, (Gloria), Nyimbaye L’Bert, Cir L’Bert (Akrista), Abaye L’Bert, and Nyumkuma L’Bert. Bishop Thomas was a grandfather (affectionately known as grandpoppy) and a great-grandfather to a multitude of grandchildren and uncle to nieces and nephews by whom he will be greatly missed. He will be greatly missed and cherished by his church family the Christian Enterprise Church (Christian Alliance Holiness Church).