Melanie Ann Thomas

Melanie Ann Thomas was born on September 11, 1957, in Santa Monica, California, to Erving Robert Thomas and Vertis Lee Sample Thomas. She attended the Seventh Day Adventist grade school in Santa Monica from first grade through eighth grade. Melanie then attended Santa Monica High School and graduated in June 1975. In September 1975, she enrolled at California State University, Long Beach until she transferred to the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. In 1979, she graduated with a degree in creative writing. During her college years, Melanie wrote a collection of poetry and in 2011, she self-published two books: "Why Question the Sun When It Is Really Setting On the Other Side of the World," dedicated to her father, who passed away in 1975, and "Waiting For December," dedicated to the college friends that inspired and encouraged her.

After graduation, Melanie worked at various jobs including a clerk at Bank of America, and a substitute English teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. She attended West Los Angeles College taking accounting classes and got a job with the Beverly Hills School District as an accounting clerk. Melanie was employed at Westech Security & Investigation as a patrol security guard. Melanie continued to be interested in the criminal justice system and cared about the rights of others. She unsuccessfully attempted to pass the physical requirements for Los Angeles Police Department, but she was destined to be in law enforcement. She wanted to make a difference and to be of service to others. Melanie always strived to expand her skills and push herself.

In December 1987, Melanie began her career in federal law enforcement with the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service. She attended the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) and graduated in June 1988, as a special agent. Melanie was assigned to the Los Angeles Field Office in Los Angeles, California. After a reorganization of the federal government, in 2003, she became a founding member of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. During her career as a special agent, she investigated numerous criminal offenders and transnational criminal organizations. Melanie retired as a Senior Special Agent in September 2014, after 26 years of service.

Melanie was associated with several organizations including the Los Angeles Police Department Auxiliary in 1984; the Burbage Theatre Ensemble, 1984; the National Association of Professional Women; the National Writers Club and the National Society of Accountants.

Throughout Melanie's life, she overcame several battles with cancer, she was a survivor! Melanie attributed her strength to God and to maintaining her physical fitness, rising at 4 am to religiously do her power-walk laps. In 1997 she joined a fitness class, and also began hiking with "the girls" every Saturday followed by breakfast. She completed the LA Marathon in 2022, and numerous 5K and 10k events; she especially loved to participate in the Thanksgiving Day "Turkey Trot." The 10 years of Saturday hikes with "the girls," eventually turned into the "Saturday AM breakfast club"; they met nearly every week until her passing. Melanie, aka "Mel," "Swell Mel," "Mellow Mel," and "Mellie" was a loyal caring friend to many people. She remained close friends for over 40 years with her Bank of America crew where she had worked in the 1970's.

Melanie loved popcorn, coffee, chocolate, and red wine. Her favorite artist and performer was Prince and she was able to tour his home in Paisley Park, which was one of the highlights in her life. Melanie loved all genres of music, especially country western music. Each year she loved to attend the AMC's Oscar Movie Marathon to make her predictions for the winners. Another passion was to attend the Los Angeles Open tennis tournaments. She was an avid LA Dodgers fan! Maybe that is why her favorite color was blue! Melanie's most enduring quality was her childlike innocence. She collected Disney movies and characters that she enjoyed and shared. Those that knew her, understood the juxtaposition of Melanie; the serious law enforcement officer and the childlike, fun and silly Mel.

Melanie had many friends and family who loved and cared about her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Erving and Vertis Thomas and brother Anthony C. Eythell. Melanie is survived by her brother Robert Thomas, sister-in-law Jessica Renee Thomas, her Uncle Bernard Sample, her Aunt Martha Johnson and her daughter Vickie Johnson (cousin), and niece Cassie C. Wiste, and her children Garrett, Hakkon, Riley and Asher.

May God bless you my sister and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He hold you in the palm of His hand.