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Mary Thomas Obituary
1939 - 2009
Mary Helen Downs Thomas went home Thursday, September 17, 2009. She left this earthly body to join her husband, Wiley, and their daughter Ann, along with her mother, Mamie Downs. What a glad reunion day!
She leaves behind her children, Scott (Helen) Thomas, Cindy (Terry) Knowles, and Julie Thomas; all of whom were the love of her life. Her grandchildren, Christopher (Samantha) Thomas; and a great-grandchild Caleb, Candice (Matt) Blackburn, Constance Knowles, and Landon Thomas will always remember the story times and adventures that were never in short supply around Granny/Ninny. She is also survived by her father, Alvin (Idabelle) Downs.
Mary Helen and Wiley began their lives in Pensacola in 1958 after moving here from Evergreen, Alabama. After many years of running flower shops, which was a love she had for many years including recently making an arrangement for a Hospice nurse, and secretarial jobs, she settled into a job as a State Farm employee for 20 plus years, having many customers still asking about her. From a young age, she has played piano with joy at many churches making lasting friendships. She also belonged to various organizations such as Eastern Star and Daughter of The Nile.
She taught her family true values such as working hard as she did and to occasionally throw a tea party, just because. She taught us to enjoy the little things, like a good round of golf and a good football game, calling the family members when something good happened. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, and gift to many people's lives. Her faith in God taught us to lean and trust on Him in all things. She left us with lasting memories and many gifts and talents that we will use to continue on her legacy as a great woman.
Her last days with us were spent surrounded by family and friends, many of whose lives have touched our family as much as she touched them. The people that were there through the good and bad times, including the wonderful staff at Covenant Hospice, The Health Center of Pensacola especially Olivia and Nick who made her feel very special.
Services will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North-Cantonment. Interment will be at Magnolia Cemetery in Evergreen, Alabama at 1:30 pm
Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Thomas, Matt Blackburn, Grant Hobart, Bob Burtnett, Mike Douglas and Neill Sidebotham.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, September 21, 2009 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 Highway 29 South, Cantonment is in charge of arrangements.
Please express your condolences at www.fcfhs.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Thomas
Ms Barbara Thornton
October 13, 2009
Julie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. God will see all of you through this time of sorrow.
When Keelie married, I will never forget your mother making the beautiful flowers and all the love, care, time, preparation of the food, and expertise she expressed in creating such a lovely reception for this event.
Helen was a beautiful person, inside and out, with many great talents. She unselfishly shared her talents so graciously with others making them very happy.
God saw she was getting tired and called her home where there is no sorrow, pain, and suffering. She is doing heavenly things now and I pray that one day, by the Grace of God, I will see her there.
Barry & Sharon Booker
October 2, 2009
Cindy, Scott, Julie, & Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your Mom. Mary Helen was such a sweet, kind, and loving person. The first time Barry and his Mom introduced me to your Mom, she just took me right in. She treated me as if we had known each other always. We will miss her sweet smile, and her sweet, soft voice.
Keith & Monica Greenwood
September 24, 2009
Julie, Landon & family: Please accept our deepest and heartfelt condolence at this most challenging time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Debi & Waymon Fulgham
September 23, 2009
Scott & Helen,
Thinking of you at this time, so sorry for your loss. The Lord will help you get through it. One day at a time.
Deborah Fortinberry
September 22, 2009
Remembering the wonderful times we shared together...Helen was very special to me and to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. I pray your hearts will be filled with the love and laughter she leaves behind. Love, Deborah Fortinberry
September 21, 2009
Cindy, Julie and Family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a very special lady. She will be missed very much. Your family is in my prayers. Sharlene
Kersey
September 21, 2009
Clem & I send our condolences to all the family in the loss of Helen. She was a special person as we got to know her through Ensley Chapter of The Order of Eastern Star. She had many talents which she willingly shared with us and I have items she made for my years in the East - a constant reminder of her contributions to our Chapter. We are still out of town and cannot be there but Helen and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Pat & Clem Brune
September 21, 2009
To the Knowles/Thomas Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Helen was such a wonderful woman! You all mean the world to me - know that I am here for each of you if you need me and praying for you every single day...
All my Love,
Brandi Quinn
September 21, 2009
Cindy, Julie and Family- Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Phil & Debbie
September 21, 2009
Helen,was a Eastern Star Sister and a dear friend she will be missed by us all. My prayers are with the family Rita Singleton O E S 253
Wayne & Jocelyn Peters
September 20, 2009
Dear Thomas family,
We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mendy Mitchell
September 20, 2009
Dear Scott, Cindy and Julie
I am so sorry for your loss. I have had the pleasure of knowing your family since High School; I remember going to the races with your dad and enjoying the wonderful food your parent's enjoyed preparing together on the weekends and just spending time with your family. I know they will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Your Friend Always, Mendy
Sandra Tharp
September 20, 2009
Julie, Cindy and Scott,
Sorry for the loss of your Mother. I had the pleasure of knowing her though working in banking and with Julie. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 19, 2009
Helen was a sister in Eastern Star and a dear friend,she tried
to teach me to play the piano but I didn't have what it takes, however
we had fun. She shared her talents with us all and we will miss her.
Inez Gilley OES Chapter # 253
Margie Warsing
September 19, 2009
Helen was a sweet christian friend to me and our church family. She and I played the piano and organ together at Lakeview Baptist Church and I enjoyed her beautiful playing and love for our music ministry. I remember how much she loved her family and how she showed her love and care to our church family by sending cards and making phone calls to let you know she was praying for you or to wish you a happy birthday. I remember one Christmas she invited the entire church to her home for a Christmas Party and another time when she helped us make pretty fruit baskets to take to our members in nursing homes. She was a special gift to me and our church family. I send my love and prayers to all of her family.
Carole Colbert
September 19, 2009
I worked with Helen at Nationwide Insurance and she did the floral arrangments for my wedding back in 1983. She was a joy to be with and a very special person who will be missed! I send my love and prayers to all the family.
Gob Bless,
Carole Kimbell Colbert
Nancy Oseien
September 19, 2009
Helen was a beautiful lady and I enjoyed her friendship in the Daughters of the Nile and the Shimron Sheba Band. Peace be with you all.
Nancy Oseien
PQ Shirmron Temple
Gayle Brewton
September 19, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Below is a poem written by:
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
The poem states a lot of what Helen would say. She was a wonderful friend and I always enjoyed working with her at State Farm Insurance Company.
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Janna Clay Edwards
September 19, 2009
Dear Scott, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My parents' auto insurance was with State Farm and I went with my mother once to their agency. After a few moments, I discovered it was your mother who was assisting us. I remember what a sweet and kind lady she was and it was very obvious how much she loved and cared about you. I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet her. You and your family will be in my prayers and may God's peace and comfort be with you during this time.
Susan (Hopkins) Boswell
September 19, 2009
Julie, Scott, and Cindy...
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. You're mom, a wonderful woman who touched SO many people, was a MOM to me, many many times. We all know that your mom is with Jesus now, and feels no more pain, and can rest in His loving arms.
If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Carolyn Smith
September 19, 2009
I am so very sorry to hear of Sister Helen's passing. She was a dear friend for many years and I will surely miss her quick laughter and her beautiful piano playing. You will all be in my prayers and I know Sister Helen is playing for the Higher Choir today!
Carolyn Smith, W.P. 252, OES
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