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{{sources|date = August 2021}}
{{sources|date = August 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Sue Thomas
| name = Sue Thomas
| image =
| image =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name -->
| birth_name = <!-- only use if different from name -->
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1950|05|24}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1950|05|24}}
| birth_place = [[Boardman, Ohio]]
| birth_place = [[Boardman, Ohio]]
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|12|13|1950|5|24}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2022|12|13|1950|5|24}}
| death_place = [[Boardman, Ohio]]
| death_place = [[Columbiana, Ohio]]
| other_names =
| other_names =
| education = <nowiki>Springfield College, Columbia Bible College and Seminary</nowiki>
| education = [[Springfield College]]
| occupation = {{Hlist|Author|Speaker|Visionary|former FBI specialist}}
| occupation = {{Hlist|Author| FBI agent}}
}}
}}


{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
'''Sue Thomas''' (May 24, 1950 – December 13, 2022) was an American author, motivational speaker, and former FBI undercover specialist, who was the first and only known [[deaf]] person to work as a [[lip-reading|lip-reader for the FBI.]]
'''Sue Thomas''' (May 24, 1950 – December 13, 2022) was an American author and former agent of the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI). She was the first [[deaf]] person to work as an [[Cover (intelligence gathering)|undercover]] specialist, performing [[lip-reading]] of suspects.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Susan Kay Thomas was born on May 24, 1950, in [[Boardman, Ohio]].<ref name=stow>{{cite web |last=Niswander |first=Andree |title=The real 'Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye' to speak in Stow |url=http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4571152 |work=The-News-Leader.com |publisher=Dix Communications |date=April 22, 2009 |access-date=April 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215519/http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4571152 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> At the age of 18 months, she became profoundly deaf; the reason is not definitely known.<ref name=stow/> At the age of seven, Thomas became the youngest Ohio State Champion free-style skater in skating history.<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Sue|title=Sue Bio|url=http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx|access-date=October 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128005035/http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx|archive-date=November 28, 2011}}</ref> Speech therapists helped her develop her voice, and she also became an expert lip reader.
Thomas was born on May 24, 1950, in [[Boardman, Ohio]].<ref name=stow>{{cite web |last=Niswander |first=Andree |title=The real 'Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye' to speak in Stow |url=http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4571152 |work=The-News-Leader.com |publisher=Dix Communications |date=April 22, 2009 |access-date=April 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716215519/http://www.the-news-leader.com/news/article/4571152 |archive-date=July 16, 2011 }}</ref> At the age of 18 months, she became profoundly deaf; the reason is not definitely known.<ref name=stow/> At the age of seven, Thomas became the youngest Ohio State Champion free-style skater in skating history.<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Sue|title=Sue Bio|url=http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx|access-date=October 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128005035/http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx|archive-date=November 28, 2011}}</ref> Speech therapists helped her develop her voice, and she also became an adept lip reader.


Thomas graduated from [[Springfield College]] in [[Massachusetts]] with a degree in [[political science]] and international affairs.<ref name=stow/>.
Thomas graduated from [[Springfield College]] in [[Massachusetts]] with a degree in [[political science]] and international affairs.<ref name=stow/>


==Career in the FBI==
==Career in the FBI==
At the FBI, Thomas started out in a program specially designed for the deaf, searching and classifying fingerprints. When the FBI discovered her expert lip reading abilities, they put her to a test with a video that had no sound. From that day forward Thomas never went back to reading fingerprints. She used her gift of lip reading to do specialized undercover surveillance work.<ref name=stow/><ref>{{cite book|isbn=0-8423-5909-5|last=Thomas|first=Sue|author2=S. Rickly Christian|title=Silent Night|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/silentnight0000thom}}</ref> When things were slow Thomas also was a tour guide who gave tours of the J Edgar Hoover building. Thomas spent 3 1/2 years working for the FBI, from 1979 to 1983.<ref name=stow/> She resigned from the FBI to attend Columbia Bible College and Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina. It was here that God completely changed the direction of her life and she became an inspirational speaker.
At the FBI, Thomas started out as a [[Fingerprint analysis|fingerprint examiner]], then she became a lip-reader for an undercover surveillance team.<ref name=stow/><ref>{{cite book|isbn=0-8423-5909-5|last=Thomas|first=Sue|author2=S. Rickly Christian|title=Silent Night|year=1990 |publisher=Tyndale House Publishers |url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/silentnight0000thom}}</ref> Thomas spent four years working for the FBI, from 1979 to 1983.<ref name=stow/>


==Writing==
==Writing==
In 1990, Thomas wrote her autobiography entitled ''[https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Sue-Thomas/dp/0578057697 Silent Night]'', which became the basis for the TV series to follow. This book begins when she lost her hearing at 18 months and chronicles her life all the way through to her resignation from the FBI. The continuing story of her life is called ''[https://www.amazon.com/Staying-Race-Sue-Thomas/dp/098575110X Staying In The Race]'', where Thomas shares stories about living with [[multiple sclerosis]].
In 1990, Thomas wrote her autobiography entitled ''Silent Night'', which became the basis for the TV series to follow. This book begins when she lost her hearing at 18 months and chronicles her life all the way through to her resignation from the FBI. The continuing story of her life is called ''Staying In The Race'', where Thomas shares stories about living with [[multiple sclerosis]].


==TV series==
==TV series==
{{Main article|Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye}}
In 2002, the TV series ''[[Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye|Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye]],''<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas|url=http://www.tv.com/people/sue-thomas/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> created jointly by Dave Alan Johnson and Gary R. Johnson, premiered on the [[Pax TV]] first-run syndication network. Inspired by Thomas' unique job for the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]], the weekly drama helped to bring more awareness to the lives and abilities of those with physical challenges. The series starred actress [[Deanne Bray]], who is herself deaf, and reads lips like Thomas, and it was loosely based on Thomas' real experiences. At its peak, the series was watched by more than 2.5 million viewers in the United States, and it was syndicated to 64 nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suethomasfbeye.com/global.aspx|title=Global Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130060729/http://suethomasfbeye.com/global.aspx|archive-date=November 30, 2010}}</ref> Today the series can be found on multiple streaming platforms, such as Hallmark Movies Now, and Redeem TV among many others.
In 2002, the TV series ''[[Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye|Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye]],''<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas|url=http://www.tv.com/people/sue-thomas/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> created jointly by Dave Alan Johnson and Gary R. Johnson, premiered on the [[Pax TV]] first-run syndication network. Inspired by Thomas' unique job for the FBI, the weekly drama helped to bring more awareness to the lives and abilities of those with [[Physical disability|physical disabilities]]. The series starred actress [[Deanne Bray]], who is herself deaf, and reads lips like Thomas, and it was loosely based on Thomas' real experiences. At its peak, the series was watched by more than 2.5 million viewers in the United States, and it was syndicated to 60 nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suethomasfbeye.com/global.aspx|title=Global Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130060729/http://suethomasfbeye.com/global.aspx|archive-date=November 30, 2010}}</ref> In September 2009, the show began airing on [[Gospel Music Channel]].


In addition to Bray, the cast of ''Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye'' included actors [[Yannick Bisson]], [[Rick Peters]], Mark Gomes, Tara Samuel, [[Ted Atherton]] and [[Enuka Okuma]]. A golden retriever who responded to the name of Jesse stood in during the run of the program. He portrayed Sue Thomas's first hearing dog, Levi. Marilyn Stonehouse served as the chief producer for the Pebblehut Productions company, through which ''Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye'' was produced.
In addition to Bray, the cast of ''Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye'' included actors [[Yannick Bisson]], [[Rick Peters]], Mark Gomes, Tara Samuel, [[Ted Atherton]] and [[Enuka Okuma]]. A golden retriever who responded to the name of Jesse stood in during the run of the program for Thomas' real golden retriever, who responded to the name of Levi. Marilyn Stonehouse served as the chief producer for the Pebblehut Productions company, through which ''Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye'' was produced.


Sue Thomas appeared in [[List of Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye episodes|two episodes]]: "Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark)"<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark),|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/sue-thomas-fbeye/billy-the-kid-aka-question-mark-246249/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> and the series finale, "Ending and Beginnings".<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Ending and Beginnings|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/sue-thomas-fbeye/ending-and-beginnings-393069/cast/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref>
Sue Thomas appeared in [[List of Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye episodes|two episodes]]: "Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark)"<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark)|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/sue-thomas-fbeye/billy-the-kid-aka-question-mark-246249/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref> and the series finale, "Ending and Beginnings".<ref>{{cite web|title=Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Ending and Beginnings|url=http://www.tv.com/shows/sue-thomas-fbeye/ending-and-beginnings-393069/cast/|website=TV.com|publisher=CBS Interactive Inc.|accessdate=September 22, 2017}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
In 2001, Thomas was diagnosed with [[multiple sclerosis]].<ref name="NMSS">{{cite web |url=http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx |title=Sue Bio |access-date=October 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128005035/http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx |archive-date=November 28, 2011 }}</ref> She continued to travel and speak extensively, covering every state in the US as well as some international travel. In May of 2020, she was diagnosed with stage 4 [[lung cancer]], but in January of 2021 her PET scan came back clear with no evidence of disease. One week later she had COVID-19 and was on a ventilator for 3 weeks. With her characteristic strength of spirit and faith in God she pulled through, regain strength and the next year and a half she spent living life to the hilt, working on books, traveling, and spending time at her ministry retreat, WaterBrooks, with her full time nurse and assistant, Deborah and her Hearing and Assistance Dog, Rodney, from Canine Companions for Independence.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://suethomasfbeye.com/2021/05/21/glorious-71-years/|title = Glorious 71 Years|date = May 14, 2021|accessdate = August 10, 2021|website = Meet the Real Sue Thomas|last = Thomas|first = Sue}}</ref> Thomas died on December 13, 2022, <ref>{{cite web |title=Susan Thomas Obituary |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mahoningmatters/name/susan-thomas-obituary?id=38405947 |website=Legacy.com |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref> while the world was singing her signature song, Silent Night.
In 2001, Thomas was diagnosed with [[multiple sclerosis]].<ref name="NMSS">{{cite web |url=http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx |title=Sue Bio |access-date=October 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128005035/http://suethomasproductions.com/bio.aspx |archive-date=November 28, 2011 }}</ref> In 2020, she was diagnosed with [[lung cancer]], though the following year, she said she was cancer-free.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://suethomasfbeye.com/2021/05/21/glorious-71-years/|title = Glorious 71 Years|date = May 14, 2021|accessdate = August 10, 2021|website = Meet the Real Sue Thomas|last = Thomas|first = Sue}}</ref> Thomas died on December 13, 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Susan Thomas Obituary |url=https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mahoningmatters/name/susan-thomas-obituary?id=38405947 |website=Legacy.com |access-date=December 16, 2022}}</ref>



==References==
==References==
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[[Category:20th-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:20th-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:21st-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:21st-century American memoirists]]
[[Category:Deaf people from the United States]]
[[Category:American deaf people]]
[[Category:Federal Bureau of Investigation agents]]
[[Category:Federal Bureau of Investigation agents]]
[[Category:People from Boardman, Ohio]]
[[Category:People from Boardman, Ohio]]
[[Category:People with multiple sclerosis]]
[[Category:People with multiple sclerosis]]
[[Category:Springfield College (Massachusetts) alumni]]
[[Category:Springfield College alumni]]
[[Category:Writers from Youngstown, Ohio]]
[[Category:Writers from Youngstown, Ohio]]
[[Category:Deaf writers]]

Latest revision as of 08:52, 13 October 2024

Sue Thomas
Born(1950-05-24)May 24, 1950
Boardman, Ohio
DiedDecember 13, 2022(2022-12-13) (aged 72)
Columbiana, Ohio
EducationSpringfield College
Occupations
  • Author
  • FBI agent

Sue Thomas (May 24, 1950 – December 13, 2022) was an American author and former agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). She was the first deaf person to work as an undercover specialist, performing lip-reading of suspects.

Early life

[edit]

Thomas was born on May 24, 1950, in Boardman, Ohio.[1] At the age of 18 months, she became profoundly deaf; the reason is not definitely known.[1] At the age of seven, Thomas became the youngest Ohio State Champion free-style skater in skating history.[2] Speech therapists helped her develop her voice, and she also became an adept lip reader.

Thomas graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with a degree in political science and international affairs.[1]

Career in the FBI

[edit]

At the FBI, Thomas started out as a fingerprint examiner, then she became a lip-reader for an undercover surveillance team.[1][3] Thomas spent four years working for the FBI, from 1979 to 1983.[1]

Writing

[edit]

In 1990, Thomas wrote her autobiography entitled Silent Night, which became the basis for the TV series to follow. This book begins when she lost her hearing at 18 months and chronicles her life all the way through to her resignation from the FBI. The continuing story of her life is called Staying In The Race, where Thomas shares stories about living with multiple sclerosis.

TV series

[edit]
Main article: Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye

In 2002, the TV series Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye,[4] created jointly by Dave Alan Johnson and Gary R. Johnson, premiered on the Pax TV first-run syndication network. Inspired by Thomas' unique job for the FBI, the weekly drama helped to bring more awareness to the lives and abilities of those with physical disabilities. The series starred actress Deanne Bray, who is herself deaf, and reads lips like Thomas, and it was loosely based on Thomas' real experiences. At its peak, the series was watched by more than 2.5 million viewers in the United States, and it was syndicated to 60 nations.[5] In September 2009, the show began airing on Gospel Music Channel.

In addition to Bray, the cast of Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye included actors Yannick Bisson, Rick Peters, Mark Gomes, Tara Samuel, Ted Atherton and Enuka Okuma. A golden retriever who responded to the name of Jesse stood in during the run of the program for Thomas' real golden retriever, who responded to the name of Levi. Marilyn Stonehouse served as the chief producer for the Pebblehut Productions company, through which Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye was produced.

Sue Thomas appeared in two episodes: "Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark)"[6] and the series finale, "Ending and Beginnings".[7]

Personal life

[edit]

In 2001, Thomas was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.[8] In 2020, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, though the following year, she said she was cancer-free.[9] Thomas died on December 13, 2022.[10]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Niswander, Andree (April 22, 2009). "The real 'Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye' to speak in Stow". The-News-Leader.com. Dix Communications. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2009.
  2. ^ Thomas, Sue. "Sue Bio". Archived from the original on November 28, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  3. ^ Thomas, Sue; S. Rickly Christian (1990). Silent Night. Tyndale House Publishers. ISBN 0-8423-5909-5.
  4. ^ "Sue Thomas". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  5. ^ "Global Affairs". Archived from the original on November 30, 2010.
  6. ^ "Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Billy the Kid (aka: Question Mark)". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  7. ^ "Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye: Ending and Beginnings". TV.com. CBS Interactive Inc. Retrieved September 22, 2017.
  8. ^ "Sue Bio". Archived from the original on November 28, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  9. ^ Thomas, Sue (May 14, 2021). "Glorious 71 Years". Meet the Real Sue Thomas. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  10. ^ "Susan Thomas Obituary". Legacy.com. Retrieved December 16, 2022.
[edit]
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