Marzie Thomas, a former publisher of The Tri-State Defender who later served as a top staffer for Congressman Steve Cohen, died on June 12 at Methodist University Hospital. She was 72.
Thomas spent more than 16 years at the Defender, where she rose from advertising manager to general manager, editor and eventually publisher, becoming one of the few Black women in that role at the time. Her leadership helped sustain the historic Black newspaper through turbulent years of transition, financial hardship and evolving media landscapes.
“She was able to keep the paper going when it was on unsteady footing,” said former colleague and longtime Defender staffer Wiley Henry. “She had a rapport with the community, the advertisers and the churches. She was respected by everyone — Democrats and Republicans alike. That was rare.”
In 2007, Thomas joined the office of U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) as a special assistant for veterans’ affairs and community outreach. She became deputy district director in 2009 and was promoted to district director in 2013.
“An extremely talented administrator, she understood the district and did an outstanding job meeting my constituents’ needs because of a deep familiarity with them as a 16-year newspaper reporter, editor and publisher for The Tri-State Defender,” Cohen said in a statement. “She will be sorely missed.”
A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and LeMoyne-Owen College, Thomas also remained deeply rooted in Memphis’ faith community. A lifelong member of East Trigg Avenue Baptist Church, she sang as a soloist in the choir and grew up under the spiritual mentorship of the legendary Rev. Dr. Herbert Brewster, a noted gospel composer. She remained active in the church until her health declined.
After leaving The Tri-State Defender, Thomas briefly worked with Art Gilliam’s WLOK Radio before beginning her work in public service.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alonzo Thomas Jr., who passed away in January 2024, and by her brother, the Rev. Richard Gates. She is survived by two daughters, Marthel Ellison and Richara Thomas; one sister, Aimee Gates; and a granddaughter, Madison Ellison.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home. A public wake will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at R.S. Lewis, 374 Vance Ave., Memphis, TN 38126.
Her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at East Trigg Baptist Church, 1315 S. Bellevue, Memphis, TN 38106. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 824 S. Dudley St., Memphis.
