It is with broken hearts and deep love that we remember a remarkable young man whose time with us was far too short, yet whose impact will last a lifetime.
Malik Tywann Thomas, 15, affectionately known as “Pooh” by his friends and family, of Chambersburg, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2026.
Malik was born on July 04, 2010, in Waynesboro, PA, the son of Jamar Tywann Thomas and Holly Noel Martin.
Malik was baptized in the African Methodist faith and attended church at the Bethel Cito AME church with his family members throughout his life.
Malik attended the Central Fulton School District and also received a portion of his education from the Chambersburg School District.
Malik truly was a firecracker with a loving, adventurous and competitive spirit. He played basketball for the McConnellsburg Spartans and football for the James Buchanan Rockets for several years. The Baltimore Ravens were his favorite football team.
From the time he could walk, he was in motion climbing a tree, catching a ball, riding his four-wheeler and electric bike back and forth on the ridge, chasing his next adventure.
Malik had a free spirit with a quiet confidence that embodied his radiant personality and zest for life. Malik’s smile was vibrant, looking into his eyes was a magical experience to all who encountered him. Nature and the outdoors were his second home.
He was an avid outdoorsman, camping, hunting and fishing with his father and hiking with his mother. He felt most alive in the open sky, casting a fishing line, or bow hunting in the tranquil wilderness. Malik found peace and purpose in nature. Nature wasn’t a place he visited, it was a part of who he was.
Above all else, Malik loved his family. He was a devoted son, a protective brother, a proud grandson, a loving godson, and a loyal cousin. Malik was best friends with his mom and the apple of his father’s eye. His hugs were strong and sincere. His laughter filled every room he entered.
He showed his love not only in words, but in actions, a late-night text or showing up unexpectedly at a family function. Simple moments, family interactions to holiday traditions were very special and important to him. He was a devoted and steady friend. Though his years were few his life was full. He taught us about resilience, about gratitude and embracing each day as a gift.
Malik is survived by his father, Jamar Thomas of McConnellsburg, PA, his mother, Holly Martin of Chambersburg, PA, three sisters, Aiyanna Thomas of Hagerstown, MD, Sade Holmes of Hagerstown, MD, and Alengta Jerrigan of Hagerstown, MD, and his niece, Maya Holmes of Hagerstown, MD. Malik is survived by his grandparents, Rodney and Debe Fetter of Carlisle, PA, and Dennis and Sabrina Chism of McConnellsburg, PA. He is also survived by his aunts, Chiara Thomas and Dr. Celeste Thomas, uncles, Douglas Thomas and Derek Petty John, his godmother, Dr. Shandra Jefferson, his godfather, Tyrone Jefferson, as well as his parent’s partners, Lynnette Millan and Antonio McNear and a host of cousins, family and friends.
Malik is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Leonard and Verna Petty John.
Though we miss him beyond words, we are forever changed by his presence and forever grateful for the joy he brought into our lives. His story does not end here; it lives on in the hearts and minds of all who loved him.
We cherish our memories of him now and always. We will remember him in every sunrise, every shooting star, every ripple of water across a quiet lake, and every echo of laughter in the woods. We will carry his spirit with us each day with courage, kindness and love.
A Home Going service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Kelso – Cornelius Funeral Home, 322 North Second Street McConnellsburg, PA 17233, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family at a later time at Union Cemetery in McConnellsburg, PA.
The family has entrusted Malik’s care to Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home in McConnellsburg, PA.
Online condolences can be made at the funeral home’s website.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Malik, please visit the floral store.
