THOMAS, Marilyn Elaine

After more than 84 years of a beautiful life, Marilyn Elaine Thomas passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday,

February 28, 2021. Born in

Kansas City in 1937, Marilyn grew up in Detroit, where her parents taught in the public school system, which sparked a young Marilyn's interest in

education. A graduate of

Michigan State University and Antioch College Master's Program, she realized an illustrious career in early childhood education including many years of service as the President and CEO of the Miami Valley Child

Development Center organization in Dayton. In 1961, she married her sweetheart Clarence Lincoln Thomas, Jr., of

Dayton, and they were blessed with 2 children, Aubyn Elaine Thomas, and Clarence Lincoln Thomas III (Linc). Left to

treasure Marilyn's memory are her loving husband,

Dr. Clarence (Tommy) Thomas, Jr., her children Aubyn and

Dr. Clarence Lincoln (Linc) and Maria Viera Thomas, their children Clarence Lincoln (Clay) Thomas IV and Lillian Viera

Thomas (Lily), sister-in-law Betty Felder, husband James and their children Kevin and Wendy Felder and Greg and Theresa Felder, sister-in-law, Nancy Marie Thomas. Services to

celebrate the life of Marilyn will take place this Saturday, March 6, 2021. A Visitation, "walk through" will occur from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church 63, E. Church Street, Xenia, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm and will be a small, private service for family only. Please note that social distance practices and masks will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Heartland Hospice or Christ Episcopal Church Xenia. Arrangements entrusted to Porter-Qualls-Freeman Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Springfield News Sun from Mar. 2 to Mar. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Marilyn THOMAS

Sponsored by Marlan Gary Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace - Springfield.

19 Entries

Sheri Ann Forbes

September 29, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sheri, Emily & Evan

Peter & Lynn Sinnott

March 6, 2021

Marilyn was a joy and a blessing to know. She was a woman of great strength, honesty, wisdom - and profound care for others. We will miss her deeply, and send our love and prayers to Tommy and the family.

Carolyn Stevens

March 5, 2021

Marilyn and I have been best friends since we were 9 years old. We were roommates at Michigan State. The memories we shared during this special friendship will keep this beautiful, caring, and thoughtful person alive in my heart forever. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

J. Thomas and Frances Maultsby

March 4, 2021

Marilyn Thomas was a champion for kids, a trailblazer for women and a formidable community leader. She was one of the best CEO's I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Marilyn was a great person and friend. We will miss her greatly and our sympathy is with Tommy and the family. Her legacy will last forever and we know that God is welcoming His good and
faithful servant with open arms.

Jerry L. and Irene L. Scott

March 4, 2021

Marilyn Thomas was one of the finest, most caring and thoughtful ladies I was Blessed to know. It was, indeed, a pleasure to work with, and for, her and to learn from her. My wife, Irene, and I send our heartfelt prayers to Tommy and their children.

Walter and Judie Maloy

March 4, 2021

Our deepest condolences are extended to Tommy and the Thomas family. Your loss is understood and heartfelt by us and by all that had the opportunity to know Marilyn and to be graced by her loving presence.
Marilyn was a wonderful, caring and unique lady who provided warmth and happiness with her words, smiles and laughter. The relationship began seventy years ago and she was loved and considered a member of our extended family by all in our family. She will be missed, and yet we feel blessed to have had her in our lives. We know she will continue to provide her bright light and warmth eternally.

Walter and Judie Maloy

Betty Coleman

March 3, 2021

To the Thomas Family,
My deepest and sincerest condolences. I have known your family for over 50 years and indeed have many blessed and cherished memories. Marilyn was a professional, personal, and inspirational mentor to me in my life's journey. I will always remember her as a gracious, caring, compassionate person. Her advocacy and care for children and families have left a lasting legacy within the Head Start community. Be comforted in knowing that Marilyn is at rest in the arms of Jesus Christ, our Lord an Savior.
The Rev. Betty E. Coleman
(and family)

.Cyndamarie Gunn

March 2, 2021

You will be missed Marilyn. You were such a blessing and a delight to me. Thank You for sharing time with me at church, and always willing to have a prayer with me, or enlighten me. Hug Mommy when you see her. I know Tommy will miss you. But we also know we shall see you again, so we rejoice in the knowledge that you are in the arms of Jesus. Collect your crown, honorable servant of Christ.

Shelly Kirk Blackman

March 2, 2021

Heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Dr Samuel Jackson

March 2, 2021

I’m soo sorry for your loss ... I LOVE YOU FOREVER

Dr Samuel Jackson III

Sent Flowers

Bob and Kathy Geyer

March 2, 2021

Our sincere condolences to the Thomas family. We mourn in your lose of great person! Marilyn was a gracious and kind person. She will be missed by all who knew her. We keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.

Tina Wingate

March 2, 2021

My dear friend/sister, you made an amazing mark in this world. Your grace, wisdom, strength, compassion and most of all your love will always live in my heart.

Cathy Guerrant

March 2, 2021

As a young person starting out my career with a young baby, Marilyn loomed larger than life. She leaves behind an incredible legacy of caring for the needs of low income children and their families. God bless. Cathy Guerrant

March 2, 2021

As a young person starting out her career, Marilyn was larger than life. She leaves behind a legacy of caring for the needs of low income children and their families. Cathy Guerrant

Kevin and Wendy Felder

March 2, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Barbara Haxton

March 2, 2021

To Tommy, Auben and Linc - my sincerest condolences. I have such incredible and impactful memories of Marilyn. I have known her for over 30 years, and worked very closely with her for over 5 years, and then continually for another 15. She was a consumate advocate for children and families and a dedicated leader in the Head Start community. I learned from her, we challenged one another and I had the utmost respect for her - she was an incredible leader and highly respected across the nation within the Head Start community. She will long be remembered. My best to you all.

Mary Burns

March 2, 2021

Marilyn was an avid supporter of low income children and families through her work in Head Start. I initially worked with her in the mid -70’s and was proud to then work at Miami Valley Child Development Centers where she was for many years . Special thoughts to her family and close friends.....

Jeanette Taylor

March 2, 2021

A lady full of grace ,charm and humility. A confident leader dedicated to children and families.
Rest in power.
Jeanette Taylor

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results