Mary Lena Thomas
August 2, 1921 ~ July 18, 2017
Mary Lena Thomas aka Mama Pete, 95, passed away Tuesday July 18, 2017. Born August 2, 1921 in Atkins Arkansas, Mary was the daughter of Charley and Florence (Keeling) Arnold; both proceeded her in death. She was widow of Joe B Thomas whom she married on March 15, 1948; he precedes her in death.
A true Matriarch of her family; a woman to be reckon with; a woman never to be forgotten. She had a real passion for helping people, whether it be her family or friends, She was always there whether it was lending an ear to listen or giving advice. Her unselfishness can’t be matched. Her family was her life, when not doing something for them, you would find her on the lawnmower cutting every one’s grass. In her later years she loved Facebook, playing games on computer and lottery scratch off’s. She will be missed more than you can put into words.
Survivors include her children Phyllis (Wayne) Grubb from Mooresville and Sonny (Peggy) Lewis of Manila Arkansas; Surviving sibling, brother Don (Dottie) Arnold; Grandchildren, Susie (Keith) Woods, Michele (Bobby) Kaufman, Angie Suarez and Fiance Kevin, Amy Lewis and significate other Kim; Kevin (Barb)Lewis; Great Grandchildren, Heather Hoff; Matt (Kristin) Fenn; Nicole (Jeremiah) O’Neal; Christopher Suarez and significate other Morgan; Cristian Suarez and significate other Kendall, Tyler(Kourtnie)Lewis, Ashley Kaufman, and Zach Kaufman; Great- Great Grandchildren, Violet Martin; Lennon O’Neal, Annalee Fenn, and Ezra Todd.
At Mary’s request, there will not be a public visitation or service. Final care and cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory in Mooresville. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com where you may express online condolences with the family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
When I think of Mama Mary Thomas I think of a Mother Teresa quote: It sure does depict her. 🙂
” If you judge people, you have no time to love them. spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you presence without leaving happier than they arrived. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”.
Dear Mama Mary Thomas, your life light lives on in each of us that you have touched; we will do you proud. Thank You for your love and dedication to preserving the human connection and for making me/my family feel like your family. Even though I lived so far away from where you were, I took the memory of you in my heart when I moved away. And there is where you will always be. You rest now; your work is done here. Give Papa Joe B a big hug for me…
Rebecca Swope
Mary (“Pete” to me) was a friend and neighbor for over 30 years. She and JoeB were the best neighbors anyone could have—always there when help was needed and never asked for anything in return. She loved her children, grandchildren, and her dear husband, JoeB, with all her heart….and they all loved her as well. We will all miss her so much but we will always remember her kindness and the love she left with all of us. Goodbye for now dear friend……..Pat Taylor
My precious Aunt, who I’ve always called Pete, is now at rest. She was the only person who loved me EVERY SECOND of my life, and I loved her much more than words can say.
She was a wonderfully kind influence and helped me become who I am today. I am very grateful for having had her in my life, and I will miss her for the rest of my life.
Donna J (Hodge) Davis – Irving, TX
Mary was only 38 yrs old when she became a Grandmother. I am the second of her 5 Grandchildren. She taught me so many things and was always there if I needed anything. There are now Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren. And each one had their own special relationship with her. She made everyone feel special! I am so thankful she left this world on her own terms. And proud of our family for taking good care of her in her later years, just as she took care of all of us. ❤ She will be missed more than words can say!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=468419226871124&id=100011091512298