Mary Anna Thomas was born on August 20, 1939 in Leflore, County, Mississippi to the union of the
late Ed and Sallie Sims. She departed this life on Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
She spent her early childhood in Mississippi and later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where she met and
married Roosevelt Thomas. To this union there are 5 children.
Mary was a graduate of Hughes High School and took pride in being a talented Majorette. She
enjoyed her work as a medical professional and many of her co-workers became life-long friends.
She ended her career as a Unit Coordinator for Bethesda Hospital; retiring after more than 30 years
of service.
Mary accepted Christ at an early age. After moving to Cincinnati, the family joined the First Baptist
Church of Mt. Auburn. She later became a devoted member of St. Luke Baptist Church and then
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church. She loved God and praised Him with her total being. She
enjoyed missionary work, Sunday School and singing in the choir. She was a member of the Gospel
Music Workshop Choir where she sang both locally and nationally. Traveling to the National
Convention was always an exciting time for her. She also enjoyed praise dancing and working as a
youth advisor. In addition to her church service, Mary was a member of The Order of the Eastern
Star, Bethel Chapter # 7, Oriental Court # 2. She spent many years serving, traveling and building
life-long relationships within this organization.
Mary was dedicated to her children and loved her entire family. She enjoyed hosting and cooking for
family gatherings. She encouraged us all to reach for our dreams, to love and serve each other, and
above all, to always put God first in our lives. With her humble and caring spirit, she made a powerful
impact on the lives of not only her family but to the many friends she made during her amazing
journey through life. Her loving smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and three brothers Robert Sims, Willie Sims,
and Horace Sims. Mary leaves to cherish her memory five siblings: Edgar Sims, Herman Sims,
Edwina Mitchell, Martha J. Watkins (Jesse), and Nancy C. Wilkins (Gregory), and five adoring
children; Deborah Thomas (Alvin), Adolph Thomas (Ann), Edward Thomas (Ingrid), Viola Thomas
Norman (Artis), and Maurice Thomas (Carolyn). She also leaves fifteen loving grandchildren: Elise
Thomas, William Thomas, Renee Deering, Nicole Oliver Wesley (Anwan), Brian Thomas (Sharon),
Rose Thomas, Tracey Stenson, Latonya Williams, Tiffany Cox, Marquita Thomas, Kiera Moore
(Warren), Arlissa Norman, Hope Thomas, Robert Norman, Kaela Thomas, several great
grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.