Mary Alice Thomas

Mary A. Thomas (nee Shipp), 84, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2023, with family by her side. Mary was raised in Glendale, KY and attended Georgetown College where she was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority. Mary graduated with degrees in education from the University of Kentucky (BA) and Western Kentucky University (M.Ed.). Mary taught in elementary schools in Kentucky, Indiana, and Arkansas. Coming from a lineage of educators, she was an award-winning teacher who dedicated her career to serving children. Often up at dawn to find the best materials, costumes, or songs for a given lesson, Mary created loving and engaging spaces for her students and cared for each of them like family. A lifelong Christian and active churchgoer, Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bowling Green and an integral part of that community for many decades. She was also active in many varied community roles including service on the Board of Ethics for the city of Bowling Green.
Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed time in the country with her beloved husband Norris L. Thomas. Whether tending to miniature horses, donkeys, and goats or taking in a sunset over the pasture, Mary was at home in the rural spaces of Warren County, Kentucky. She adored sharing these experiences, along with a hearty home-cooked meal, with her many grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Monta and Virginia Shipp and husband, Norris Thomas. Mary is survived by her sister Linda Mattingly (John) and brother James Shipp (JoAnn), children: Martin Thomas (Susan), Allison Mefford (Brian), and Jonathan Thomas (Sandy), grandchildren, Jacob Thomas, Lily Thomas, Owen Mefford, Eli Mefford, Clara Mefford, Ethan Thomas, Alissa Thomas, nieces and nephews: Virginia Mattingly, Aaron Shipp (Maria), Robert Shipp (Amanda), Timothy Shipp (Stephanie).
Visitation and funeral service will be held on November 6, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Bowling Green - 621 East 12th Ave. Bowling Green, KY 42101. Visitation will be held from 11am-1pm (CST) and funeral service will begin at 1pm (CST).
Expressions of sympathy may be made to First Baptist Church or the Warren County Public Library.