Service Details
Monday, June 5, 2017
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church
- Visitation 10:00 a.m.
- Funeral Service 11:00 a.m.
- Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Signature Flowers by Randy
Mary Thomas passed away peacefully on May 29, 2017 at the Villa at Lincoln Park. Mary was born on October 8, 1918 in Shuqualak, Mississippi to James and Lucretia Goodwin. She was the second oldest of nine siblings. In 1938 in Macon, Mississippi, Mary married Sanders Ray. To this union six children were born. The family moved to Racine in 1956, where Sanders and Mary enjoyed the blessings of family life until his death in 1965. Mary was last employed by the UW-Nutrient Extension Program, retiring in 1980.
Mary lead a full and active life. She sought to be a good friend to others and spread sunshine wherever possible. She appreciated and enjoyed the support and friendship of many who crossed her path. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, and was an active member with the Senior Mission and the Mother’s Board; and attended Sunday School regularly. She also enjoyed participating in the Sr. Bowling League and Neighborhood Center Quilting/Sewing Circle.
In 2006 she was united in marriage to Grover Thomas, a union which brought much happiness and joy until Grover’s death in 2016. She will be missed and fondly remembered by six children:, Ernest (Frances) Ray, George Ray and Major Ray of Milwaukee; Barbara Bell of St. Louis, MO; Larry (Jeanette) Ray of Atlanta, GA; and Gloria (Oliver) Briggs, Jr of Racine; stepson Theodore (Betty) Thomas, Pastor Joseph (Dorothy) Thomas, both of Racine, her sister Rosie Robinson of Murphysboro, IL; and a special sister-in-law Marie Goodwin of St. Louis, MO. Mary dearly loved and prized her 22 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two great, great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends that she cherished so much. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: James, Osie, William and Jimmy Goodwin. Three sisters: Herodia Lightle, Lena Goodwin and Naomi Goree.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 5, 2017 in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 until time of service. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.
Candace (Ingram) Tate says
Although I’ve been gone and haven’t seen her in years, I am one of the many who loved Mrs. Ray (Thomas). My condolences to the family for your loss … but I also join you in celebrating a life well lived. She is already missed. Peace and blessings to you all.
Pastor Charles C Jones says
I send my Condolences to the Ray and Thomas Families “Mrs Ray” as we affectionately called her was an inspiration to all of us that lived in Linden Ave she will be dearly missed. I’m glad I saw her earlier this year.
Sharon Shelton Williams says
RIH Mrs. Thomas
Youletta Tinsley Hopson says
With heavy heart I send my condolences to Mrs. “Ray”-Thomas family. She was such a wonderful and special lady. We had great conversation about her children and St. Paul during my visits to the churc she loved. So sorry for your loss. How blessed you all are/were to have her for your mother. God bless…
Michael & Catina Mooney says
Aunt Mary , thank you for the love and care you provided to my Uncle Cliff, he loved you very much. Catina and I will always love and miss you. You have been a blessing to the both of us.
Cherri Chambliss says
Condolences to Mrs. Thomas’s family. I will miss her inviting smile and warm hugs during fellowship time. Peace and blessings.
Angela Bester Lambert says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Your mother was a sweet lady and a blessing to us all.
Gwendolyn Reams says
I loved her she will be missed.
Jean Johnson says
My condolences to the family. She was a very loving sweet woman on God. Mrs Thomas will be greatly missed. My prayers are with and for the family.
Lillian Boykin and family says
My condolences to the family for mrs. Thomas I will miss her so much for coming into the knitting and sewing class and having coffee and donuts with us she would always take just too one for her and one for mr Grover
Golde says
Another angel has receive her wings I am going to miss you! Dianne
Joycelynette Saulsberry says
You will be truly missed.
Grace Ferrell Goree says
To aunt Mary’s Family
We extend our heart-felt condolences. I appreciate the warm and kind person that she was.
With Warmest Regards, Grace Ferrell Goree, New Albany, MS.
Lela Goodwin says
My prayers and love go out to the family. Know that during this time of grief, there are many people who care about you and may you find comfort in God’s love. Aunt Mary Lee will be missed.
Geneva Nneka Okeke and fammily. says
Praying for peace and understanding. Condolences to the family.
Anonymous says
To the Ray and Thomas Family. Mrs Mary was a sweet and loving person. When I saw her on Mother’s Day she was full of joy. She will truly be missed from sitting on the Mother’s Bench at church. Sending condolences to the family. MS Debra Turner and Family