Bay Area

Open Bible Baptist Church Pastor, First Lady Celebrate Retirement

The Pastoral Retirement for Revered Eddie C. Thomas and First Lady Brenda Thomas was held on Sunday, March 26 at Open Bible Baptist Church (OBBC) in East Palo Alto. With a theme derived from “A Steadfast Servant – I Corinthians 15:58,” the celebration recognized the couples’ 16 years of leadership at OBBC. The new leaders of the church, Pastor Karon L. Braxton and First Lady Sonja Braxton presided over the festivities and Vice Moderator Bishop Dr. Cleveland Prince of True Light Missionary Baptist Church served as master of ceremonies.

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2023

Oakland Post

Gathered around the table at the retirement celebration of Pastor Eddie C. Thomas and Brenda M. Thomas at OBBC in East Palo Alto are: (l-r) Gabriel Thomas, Roosevelt Noble, Pastor Eddie C. Thomas, First Lady Brenda Thomas, Maya Wooten, Carla Thomas, Cassandra Thomas, Rebecca Noble. Photo by Sonja Braxton.

By Carla Thomas

The Pastoral Retirement for Revered Eddie C. Thomas and First Lady Brenda Thomas was held on Sunday, March 26 at Open Bible Baptist Church (OBBC) in East Palo Alto.

With a theme derived from “A Steadfast Servant – I Corinthians 15:58,” the celebration recognized the couples’ 16 years of leadership at OBBC. The new leaders of the church, Pastor Karon L. Braxton and First Lady Sonja Braxton presided over the festivities and Vice Moderator Bishop Dr. Cleveland Prince of True Light Missionary Baptist Church served as master of ceremonies.

“We love the Thomases. They have been a tremendous blessing to us,” said Pastor Braxton.

OBBC soloists Deaconess Felicia Turner and Merdana Champion honored the Thomases with songs as did multiple choirs: OBBC Choir, Mt. Olive Baptist Church choir, and Unity Baptist Church choir.

Pastor Reginald Easterling of New Hope Baptist Church in Union City moderated expressions that included those of the Thomases’ daughter Cassandra Wooten; granddaughter Maya Wooten; daughter-in-law Carla Thomas; and grandson Gabriel Thomas. Keynote speaker Pastor Andrew Green preached on the power of God.

“I really appreciate and love my grandparents – they are the best ever,” said Gabriel Thomas.

“My grandparents are my inspiration and I plan to become a criminal justice attorney and practice law like my grandfather,” said Wooten.

The OBBC Youth Department presented gifts to the pastor and his wife. The department recalled how Pastor Thomas gave them a generous donation of $1000 as soon as he and his family arrived at OBBC.

Iglesia Bautista del Valle Pastor Jaime Diaz, whose congregation has leased service space from OBBC for over 10 years, also spoke of Thomases’ generosity and support through the years.

Born in Columbus, Ga., Pastor Eddie Thomas grew up in Palo Alto and attended Jerusalem Baptist Church where he met and married his wife, Brenda Hamm. The Stanford University graduate attended Iowa Law School where he was called into the ministry.

Thomas served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, director of the Baptist Training Union, moderator of the Bay Area Baptist District Association, and then pastor of Open Bible Baptist Church from 2006 to 2021.

From 1978 through April 2009, he operated as a deputy district attorney in San Mateo County and spent some time as district attorney over the Juvenile Services Division.

Thomas has not only served God, but his country in the United States Marine Corp as a Judge Advocate achieving the rank of captain. He also worked as a substitute teacher for Fremont Unified School District for seven years.

“I want to thank my family, my beautiful wife, and most of all, God, for allowing me to live a life in service for Christ and the community,” said Thomas.

*Carla Tomas is a daughter-in-law of Eddie and Brenda Thomas.

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Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

5 days ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.