James L. Thomas

Memories of Leny go back to my early childhood. He along with other teens/young adults from Mt. Gilead would gather in our home for choir rehearsal where our beloved Mother the late, Barbara F Birch served as the pianist. Leny also took piano lessons from her. In 2006 or so I attended a funeral at St Peter Claver. As I walked up the sidewalk I could hear the most familiar sounds coming from the piano. The musical sounds caused my heart to skip a beat or two as it sounded as if my Mom were playing. It was a little scary yet comforting at the same time. In all of my years being associated with music I´d never heard anyone playing resonate or cause me to even think of Moms special touch on the piano. She passed in 1964 and I was only 6 years old. I slowly entered into the sanctuary and immediately saw Leny at the piano! I will always treasure that memory and the words he spoke to me after the service. I shared my seemingly out of world experience and with his gregarious laugh he said, "well of course I sound like her she´s the one who really taught me to play the piano!" He also reminded me that he would also babysit for my 2 brothers and I. Of course, that line too was followed with his wonderful and contagious laughter.
God bless you dear friend take your rest. May your family receive my deepest condolences and prayers for your peace and understanding.