Timothy San Fillippo, MA | Jani-King Gulf Coast Communications Director
When the Walker City Council recognized Pastor Edgar Lee Thomas and his wife, Marvette, Jani-King of Baton Rouge Franchise Owners, with the Key to the City they were doing more than simply trusting their keys to Jani-King; they were honoring a life-long resident for 20 years of pastoral service.

Walker Mayor Jimmy Watson, right, recognizing Pastor Edgar Lee Thomas and his wife, Marvette
Photo by Kevin Fambrough | The Livingston Parish News
Like many Jani-King Franchise Owners, Thomas and his wife’s personal calling are intertwined with their Jani-King journey. Approximately 22 years ago Thomas graduated from the International Bible Institute with a degree in general ministries. After two years of serving another congregation, Thomas answered the call to pastor his home church, Greater St. Mark Baptist Church, located in Walker Louisiana.
However, because the congregation was small, Thomas began seeking ways to supplement his income, and becoming a Jani-King Franchise Owner was the opportunity he was looking for. Now 10 years into his business, he has been able to not only meet many of his family’s financial goals but to do so in a way that extends their ministry reach throughout Livingston Parish.
Thomas says, “I’ve been blessed by God and Jani-King to be a blessing to others.” This grateful attitude is expressed as he diligently services his accounts and how he interacts with customers who need God’s light of encouragement and compassion. But his ministry reach isn’t limited to his customers. Providing work for his 11 part-time employees is just as much a part of his calling as it gives real people with real needs a hand up.
Pastor Edgar Lee and Marvette Thomas, we thank you for your service and commitment. Congratulations on receiving the Keys to the City!