Mary Ann Thomas

Mary Ann Thomas was an adored wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in law, aunt, and a very good friend. She passed away on July 5, 2023 at her home in Conyers, GA after a long illness.
Born Mary Ann Shipp to Alpha and James Shipp, she grew up in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Sacred Heart School, an all-girl Catholic high school. Her first job after graduating was at the First National Bank at Five Points in downtown Atlanta. There she met the love of her life, Edward A. Thomas, Jr. She began nursing school while Ed served in the Air Force during the Korean War, but left before graduating when they married. During their marriage she and Ed were blessed with four children, Rebecca, Theresa, Anna, and Alex. Ed and Mary Ann were happily married for 46 years until Ed's death. Mary Ann was a widow for the next 25 years. She always insisted there would never be anyone else for her but Ed.
In 1961 Ed & Mary Ann moved from Atlanta to Conyers where they built a home on the same street as Mary Ann's brother, sister-in-law, and her parents. It was a special time in her family's life. After the move to Conyers, Ed and Mary Ann joined a small group of Catholic families attending a mission chapel at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Later as the Catholic community grew in the area, Mary Ann, Ed, and their children were one of the proud founding families of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Until she became ill later in life, Mary Ann remained an active member of her church.
Once her children were older, Mary Ann returned to school to complete her mission to earn a nursing degree. After graduating, she began a nursing career at Emory Hospital. Later she would leave nursing to work alongside her husband in their family business until his death.
Mary Ann was the quintessential "Southern lady". She was a "faith and family first" strong woman. Her stylish appearance, her manners, and her house were always impeccable. She was kind, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in others. She set a beautiful table, wrote lovely thank you notes and birthday cards, was an incredible cook, and made it her mission in life as a mother to be sure her children had good manners and appeared neat at all times. Her hobbies included traveling with her sister-in-law, quilting, needlepoint, and gardening. She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for the very special holiday celebrations that she and her husband Ed created for the family they loved.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Edward A. Thomas Jr; daughter, Mary Theresa Mays-Albanese; brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Shipp; and parents, James and Alpha Shipp.
Mary Ann is remembered with love by her surviving children Rebecca Heim (husband Steve), Anna Karls (husband Russell) and Edward A. Thomas, III (wife Denise); her grandchildren Gregory Heim (wife Annie), Rachel Heim Rockwell (husband James), Richie Mays, Nolan Mays (wife Mackenzie), Amy Mays Antonelli (husband Brian), and Audrey Glasgow (husband Michael Savage); great grandchildren Allison, Lauren, Luke, Beau, Mary Claire, Elizabeth, Joseph, Samantha, Anna, and Simeon; nephews and niece Chuck, David, Andy, and Laura Shipp and all their children; and many other family members and close friends.
The Bible quote, Proverbs 31, epitomizes Mary Ann's life: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies... Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2621 GA-20, Conyers, GA 30013.
A luncheon hosted by the St. Joseph's Guild will immediately follow in the Church Day Chapel allowing time to speak to the family.
A graveside service will be held at 2 PM after the luncheon at Green Meadows Memorial Gardens, 699 American Legion Rd NE, Conyers, GA 30012 next to Scot Ward Funeral Services.
Memorial contributions may be sent to the St Pius X Catholic Church, Conyers, GA or your favorite charity.
Flowers for the Funeral Mass and graveside service may be sent to Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.
Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.