Althea Marie Thomas Spates

1948 ALTHEA MARIE (THOMAS) SPATES 2025

SUNRISE SUNSET

Althea Marie (Thomas) Spates, 77, departed this life on October 26, 2025, at her home in Rockford, IL. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 15, 1948, to Clency Thomas Jr. and Mary Elizabeth (Washington) Thomas. Althea was the second of 11 children. In 1952, the family moved to Aurora, Illinois, where she attended public schools, graduating from West High School in 1966. Althea was blessed with her first son (Steven) before the family relocated to Rockford, Illinois. Althea was a lead singer in the family quartet gospel group "Thomasaires," attending Mount Olive Church of God in Christ until the move.

Althea decided to return to Aurora, Illinois, with her son in 1967 for better job opportunities in retail sales. Althea always dreamed of becoming a solo singer and pursued a career by singing at local venues, including Chicago & Elgin churches. This led her to a new and better life in Carol Stream, Illinois, joining a group of girls called Gala and the Gaylettes. While achieving some success, she was also blessed with her second son (Brock) then daughter (Angel). Althea left the group to go on her own; she gave birth to her third son (Everett) before moving to Elgin. Having a family made it difficult to continue singing, so Althea put it aside to focus on the children.

Her faith in God led her to Spates Temple Church in Elgin, Illinois, where she felt God's calling, and while attending, she met her future husband, James O. Spates. They married in April 1984. Althea found peace and joy with the union, which produced her 4th son (Johnathan) in 1985. Unfortunately, James became ill and passed away in 199,7, leaving her to continue without his loving, spiritual support.

Althea was able to achieve an Associate's Degree in 1991 from Elgin Community College, during her marriage, thus making it possible to accept an opening with a federal government position in the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation, a division of the Department of Human Services. This was her most significant employment gain and move to Belvidere, Illinois, purchasing her home in 2001. Althea welcomed her (4) grandchildren to help Angel and provide them a much-needed sense of stability.

Althea retired from her job in 2010 and then moved back to Rockford. She attended many local churches in Rockford, including First Free Evangelical Church, where she delighted in various ministries for each of her grandchildren. She even joined the church choir/chorale. Her dedication to sharing Christ was evident, but her health became a major interference and limited her endurance. Althea began to fade and isolate from others. Althea's heart was bigger than her dreams. Her smile and laughter were unmistakable of the joy she intended to share. We will miss her as the memories reveal her in a better time.

Althea is survived by: Angel Thomas, Brock Barrett (Tara), Everett Thomas, Jonathan Spates; Stepchildren: Marcus Spates, Jamie Spates, Vincent Spates, Cammi Spates and Jameel's Spates, Brothers: Anthony L. Thomas, Michael E. Thomas Sr.(Deborah), Sisters: Sharon Cossey, Cynthia Thomas, Vaneta Thompson (Curtis), Georgina Smallwood (George), 11 Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild, Aunt Barbara Thomas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Predeceased in death by: Husband (James), Children (Steven, Nicole), Stepson (Eric Spates), Parents, Brothers: Harvey J. Waldon, Clency Thomas III, Spurgeon L. Thomas and Maurice S. Thomas.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 29th, at Honquest Family Funeral Home, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, Illinois 61111, with visitation at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service in the chapel.

Burial immediately following the service at:

Willwood Cemetery

7000 W. State Street

Rockford, Illinois 61108

A reception will be held at:

First Free Evangelical Church

Fellowship Hall

2223 N. Mulford Rd.

Rockford, Illinois 61107

From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall for family/friends of Althea.