Thomas Robert Geimen

thomas geimen

December 10, 1990 ~ April 16, 2025

Born in: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Resided in: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Our boy, who was a man, Thomas Robert Geiman, passed away on April 16th, 2025. He was born in Lawrenceville, GA, on December 10th, 1990. He was our journey and our life.

His mom and D, Rochelle and Donnie Stone, were his compass throughout that journey. He is also survived by his father, Rick Geiman, and family. His path included his brother, Nick Geiman (Holly), Caleb Stone, and his sister, Cali, who always made him smile. This wouldn’t be complete without mentioning his special bond with Aunt Joyce and Cousin Bill—they have always been his heart.

Thomas’s favorite place in the world was with his mom. She was his champion, warrior, and protector every single day of his life.

He was part of the Emory Autism Program from the age of two, with Dr. Joseph Cubells guiding his care for many of those years. From the moment Thomas walked through the doors of Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church with his mom and brother, the congregation embraced him deeply. Many of its members prayed for him, stood by him, and filled in the gaps when needed most.

And of course, everyone needs a special friend—Thomas had Shadow, a dog who understood him like no one else could.

He also had a passion, maybe even a kind of therapy: hiking. He could hike your boots off. And we all know—nothing caps a good walk better than a trip to Dollar Tree. Thomas was a human scanner who knew the location of every item. And he loved to eat—especially chicken tenders, potato wedges or fries, and he could hardly pass a Little Debbie display at Publix without pause.

In recent years, thanks to Dr. Patricio Riva-Posse and the extraordinary team at Emory’s Neuromodulation Unit, Thomas experienced things he never had before. He was able to attend a day program, and his ability to navigate the public world grew tenfold. For these blessings, we are endlessly grateful. Thomas’s world could sometimes feel small, but these moments and connections held it together.

He charmed nearly everyone he met—and that’s no small feat for someone who was nonverbal. He was sweet, kind, and often remarkably gentle.

Our family is deeply thankful for the many caregivers who helped us care for Thomas over the years, for the families who stood beside us in every way imaginable, for the selfless educators and friends who stepped into Thomas’s world when he couldn’t step into theirs, and for the strangers who responded with kindness and compassion. Those people gave us hope. They kept us going. For all of it—we are grateful.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26th, at 2:00 p.m. at:

Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church
3700 Pleasant Hill Road
Duluth, GA 30096

We invite all who attend to wear any shade of blue in honor of Thomas’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Council on Severe Autism: ncsautism.org

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Thomas Robert Geimen 's name.

National Council on Severe Autism

www.ncsautism.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Deanna Rouse says:

    I remember interacting with Thomas during our Spectrum Autism Support group meetings. I was over the childcare at that time. We had a toy that was a ball that would light up and play music with a heavy beat. I always thought of it as a disco ball. Thomas would make that ball play music, then come over to me and put his hand on top of my head and make my head move in time to the music. I was always amazed at how he managed to communicate without words. I’ve always had a soft spot for him as he reminds me of my own non-verbal special needs son. He is healed and whole, and one day we will see him again.

  2. Patty Hyder says:

    I did not know Thomas, but I know Donnie and Rochelle, and they are special people who talked often of Thomas. I know he was loved well by these two people.

  3. Susan Kirkland says:

    My heart just broke when I heard of the passing of Thomas. Being neighbors with Rochelle and Donnie, I watched as Thomas grew up to be a man. I would see him at the pool with his mom, he loved being in the water. I would see him walk with his mom, and his caretakers. I always made sure to wave to him. All I can say is that his mom, Rochelle, went above and beyond for this beautiful soul. He will be dearly missed. Fly high sweet Thomas.

  4. Yamiley Roy James says:

    I was blessed to have had the pleasure of interacting with Thomas as part of his support team. He was a kind and gentle soul. Without using any words he clearly expressed in volumes how he felt about his mother. My heart breaks ffor his mom Rochelle and all his family. He will truly be missed.

  5. Gail McGee says:

    Nobody ever had a smile brighter than Thomas. No child ever had a better mom than Thomas.

  6. Claire Dees says:

    My memories of Thomas all bring smiles. I especially remembered his love of vacuums and vacuuming. For his birthday he used to want a new vacuum and he knew exactly what kind! His family showed such an example of God’s love in action with Thomas. He was fortunate to have such a loving circle of support. He graduated to his heavenly home on Blake ‘s birthday so I know Blake was there ready to greet him. In His love, Claire Dees

    • Joe Cubells says:

      Of the many people and families it has been my privilege to serve, Thomas was very special, as were Rochelle and Donnie. Thomas overcame huge challenges to become the gentle soul we all knew in recent years. Rochelle’s love for him was a life-sustaining force, and Donnie’s love and support for both of them were true inspirations. Thomas made our world a better place- he will live in our hearts forever.

  7. Ann Cathey says:

    The love that Thomas‘s family had for him was boundless and all encompassing. Thomas’ eyes followed Rochelle‘s every move. She was his rock and his center in this world, And Donnie was the a huge part of that support system. They truly exemplified Jesus’ examples of love and compassion. Thomas’ sweet soul is at peace now.

  8. Joyce Hankins says:

    I have many fond and funny memories of Thomas. He has enriched many of our lives.
    .
    Did you know Thomas was a LOCKSMITH?Around 3 years of age he could get the lock off the sliding door. Rochelle would buy a new one, then another one and more, but she never found a lock Thomas couldn’t undo.
    He was empathic to disabled people. He seemed to realize they needed help. His memory was fantastic. If I moved a plant that was first thing he noticed.. In his own way he let me know it didn’t;t belong there.
    Thomas was an unique young man. I will miss him. Aunt Joyce

  9. Olivia Ortiz says:

    We knew Thomas for a very long time, and we would usually see each other when I walked my son Jared around the neighborhood. Thomas was always friendly and said hi to us. We will miss him so much; he will always be in our hearts. 💙
    Lopez-Ortiz Family

  10. Your DNE Family says:

    Donnie , Rochelle, and Family,

    Our deepest sympathies , prayers , and love go out to you all. Thomas’s angels on earth. Thomas left a lasting impact on this world which is a testament to the parents, and family who surrounded him with such endless love and support.


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