Spotlight of the Week: Malissa Thomas-St. Clair
Date: (June 12th, 2024)
Malissa Thomas-St. Clair, a dedicated 48-year resident of Columbus, Ohio, exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to her city and its people. Born at the former St. Ann’s Hospital on Bryden Road, Malissa’s life story is intertwined with the rich history of Columbus.
Having attended Catholic schools until her sophomore year of high school, Malissa faced the challenges of becoming a teen mother at 16. Despite this, she graduated in 1992 from Eastmoor High School with the support of her family, educators, coaches, and city resources.
Her journey of perseverance continued, leading her to graduate with honors from Capital University in 1997. She went on to earn two Master’s degrees, in 2009 and 2018, and is now near the completion of her doctoral degree.
With 26 years of service as an educator in Columbus City Schools, Malissa has also taken on roles as a coach, mentor, and community advocate. She is a devoted wife and mother of two sons, but her life took a tragic turn when her son Anthony was senselessly murdered at the age of 22. This heartbreaking event ignited her passion for community advocacy.
Malissa channeled her grief into action, using her platform as an educator to speak to youth about making positive choices for their future.
Her advocacy reached new heights on August 12, 2020, following the murder of a two-year-old in her community by his 14-year-old uncle, a former student. The devastating incident led to the founding of her nonprofit organization, Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children.
Guided by her Christian faith and driven by personal experience, Malissa’s mission is encapsulated in the principles of “Pain to Purpose” and “Learning to Live Again.” She embodies these philosophies, striving to show mothers that life after the tragic loss of a child can be filled with joy and happiness, free from guilt.
Her message is clear: our lost angels do not wish for us to live in despair. Instead, channeling our pain into purpose is the greatest tribute we can pay to our children.
Malissa’s daily mission is to leave a legacy that erases the violence that claimed her son’s life. Her relentless advocacy for safety and positive change in Columbus serves as a beacon of hope for the community.
We honor Malissa Thomas-St. Clair as our Spotlight of the Week, recognizing her unwavering dedication to transforming pain into purpose and advocating for a safer, stronger Columbus.
