PHOENIX

Bishop Alexis Thomas of Phoenix's Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church

Bishop Alexis Thomas speaks during the King Parade celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. School in Phoenix in 2005. Thomas died unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2018, at age 50.
Bishop Alexis Thomas speaks during the King Parade celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. School in Phoenix in 2005. Thomas died unexpectedly on Jan. 18, 2018, at age 50.
The Republic
Ike Johnson (left), Temako Roque and Bishop Alexis Thomas walk down Broadway Road during the King Parade celebration in Phoenix for Martin Luther King Jr. in 2005. Under Thomas, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church grew to more than 4,000 members, a church spokesman said in a statement.
Ike Johnson (left), Temako Roque and Bishop Alexis Thomas walk down Broadway Road during the King Parade celebration in Phoenix for Martin Luther King Jr. in 2005. Under Thomas, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church grew to more than 4,000 members, a church spokesman said in a statement.
The Republic
Pastor Alexis Thomas preaches during Paula Marshall's funeral service at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on Sept. 25, 2000. Thomas received his license to preach at 7, and by 16 had been appointed as the senior pastor at Pilgrim Rest.
Pastor Alexis Thomas preaches during Paula Marshall's funeral service at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church on Sept. 25, 2000. Thomas received his license to preach at 7, and by 16 had been appointed as the senior pastor at Pilgrim Rest.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic
Pastor Alexis Thomas watches a video presentation of Paula Marshall during her funeral services at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix on Sept. 25, 2000. Thomas was the founder and general chairman of the African-American Christian Clergy Coalition and co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix.
Pastor Alexis Thomas watches a video presentation of Paula Marshall during her funeral services at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix on Sept. 25, 2000. Thomas was the founder and general chairman of the African-American Christian Clergy Coalition and co-founder of the African American Strategic Alliance Coalition in Phoenix.
Cheryl Evans/The Republic
Grand Marshall Bishop Alexis Thomas speaks during the King Parade celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. School in Phoenix in 2005. Leaders in the Valley, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and across the nation on Friday praised Thomas' leadership and influence.
Grand Marshall Bishop Alexis Thomas speaks during the King Parade celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. School in Phoenix in 2005. Leaders in the Valley, including Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and across the nation on Friday praised Thomas' leadership and influence.
Carlos Chavez/The Republic