Songs of Celebration: Rochester Honors Mrs. Midge Thomas on Her 99th Birthday

Karen Ward-Wilder
3 minutes ago
3 min read

The Rochester community came together last week to honor Midge Thomas, a beloved matriarch and community leader, as she celebrated her 99th birthday with music, food, fellowship, and heartfelt tributes.

The festivities began Thursday, Aug. 28, at City Hall with an event titled Passing the Torch: A Testimonial of Life in Honor of Midge Thomas. Hosted by Lynette Adams of News10NBC, the program included remarks from City Councilmember LaShay Harris, Mayor Malik Evans, and State Sen. Jeremy Cooney. Former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson, the city’s first African American mayor, served as keynote speaker. Musical selections were offered by Thomas Warfield and Jeraldine Johnson, while friends, colleagues, and community members filled the atrium with stories of gratitude and admiration.

But the celebration did not end there. The following day, neighbors, family, and friends gathered outside Mrs. Thomas’ longtime residence — the very place where she has welcomed the community for decades with food, music, and uplifting words. Seated in a regal chair adorned with decorations fit for a queen, Thomas greeted each guest with warmth and grace.

A Legacy of Community Building

Born with a deep love for Rochester, Thomas has dedicated much of her life to education and service. In 1994, she purchased the Triangle Building in memory of her late husband, Dr. Freddie Thomas, becoming one of the first African American women in the city to own commercial property. Through the Dr. Freddie Thomas Foundation, she opened the doors of the building to youth groups and community organizations, often rent-free, ensuring that others had the space and support to grow.

At her birthday celebration, Thomas reminded the crowd of her lifelong philosophy: “It’s all about helping others who are in need of help. Be available to help others, and not consumed in material things. Be there to help people.” Her words were met with reverent silence before the music resumed.

Songs, Smiles, and Stories

The afternoon unfolded in a joyful rhythm. Guests danced to live music, including Rochester’s own “social butterfly” Carlos Merriweather, who twirled in an all-white outfit complete with feathered wings. “Mrs. Thomas is phenomenal,” he said. “She helps people to feel comfortable within themselves.”

Others shared personal stories of her generosity and influence. Barbara Savage, a longtime friend, performed original songs inspired by the City Hall tributes, adapting the tune of Moon River with lyrics honoring Thomas as a “flower of grace and love.” Juanita Reid, Thomas’ niece, recalled learning upholstery and balloon artistry from her aunt — skills she still uses today.

Guests also enjoyed a meal prepared by Ida Caviness, owner of Essence of Ida catering, who blended flavors from her Zimbabwean heritage into dishes that delighted the crowd.

Robert and Stephanie Snead reflected on how years of Friday gatherings at Thomas’ residence had shaped their lives. “Mrs. Thomas has brought out talents in me that I didn’t know I had,” said Mrs. Snead. “She has shared blessings of encouragement with us.” Mr. Snead added that his first interview with her for About Time magazine decades ago turned into a lifelong connection. “She is a Rochester jewel,” he said.

A Queen of Rochester

As the day drew to a close, the message was clear: while the occasion marked Thomas’ 99th birthday, the community was celebrating much more — her enduring legacy of kindness, leadership, and commitment to lifting others.

“Although everyone was at this event to honor Mrs. Thomas,” one guest remarked, “what we really saw was how she has honored us — with her wisdom, her words, and her example.”

For nearly a century, Midge Thomas has been a constant source of light in Rochester. On this milestone birthday, the city returned the love in song, dance, and gratitude — a living testament to a life well spent in service to others.

Here are some photos captured during Midge Thomas' 99th birthday celebration - by Karen Ward-Wilder, Minority Reporter