Mary Dale Thomas

Mary Dale Turner Thomas, 83, of Tyler, Texas went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 30, 2016, with her devoted husband Pat and her children by her side. She was born October 24, 1933, in Magnolia, Arkansas to the late Verna L. and Dale G. Turner and was raised in Lewisville, Arkansas. She earned a degree in journalism from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Patrick Reese Thomas during her freshman year. The couple married after Pat completed medical school and moved to New York City for his surgical residency, where their two children were born. While Pat was a physician in Vietnam, Mary Dale fell in love with Tyler, Texas, and they have resided in Tyler since 1966. She was preceded in death by her brother, George H. Turner. Survivors include husband, Dr. Pat Thomas; daughter, Susan Thomas Rippy and her husband, Reed; son, Kevin Scott Thomas and his wife Belle; sister-in-law, Ann Thomas Williams of Lubbock; nieces, Gwynn Ware and her husband Tom of Houston; and Nancy Weaver and her husband Dean of Dallas. “Mimi” was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren, Morgan Elizabeth Rippy, James Patrick Rippy, Stella Caroline Thomas and Turner Reese Thomas, who she referred to as “Mimi’s Babies.” Mary Dale was the ultimate prayer warrior, leading the Marvin Methodist Prayer Warrior Team and expanding the prayer ministry greatly. Her gift to her children and grandchildren was to teach them the importance of prayer in their lives and to exemplify the power of intercessory prayer. Mary Dale was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, coming just shy of her 65 year pin. She was a member of The Junior League of Tyler, The Women’s Symphony League, the Criterion Club, the SMU Mustang Alumni Association, the Friday Night Dinner Club, the Joy of Living Dinner Club and the Seekers Class at Marvin. She and friend Marilyn Budde taught Women Time Management for 10 years, helping women organize their lives. She successfully chaired the capital campaign to create the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. She was a “supreme hostess” who loved entertaining friends and family with beautiful parties. Mary Dale lived life to the fullest. She and Pat loved to travel, especially to New York City. She loved her family and her many friends. She will be greatly missed by all who adored her. We all take comfort in knowing with total assurance that Mary Dale is in eternal glory with our Lord. Her deep faith in Christ gave her strength, peace and joy all her life; a great comfort to her throughout her illness. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the Marvin United Methodist Church Sanctuary. Dr. Doug Baker and Reverend Gerry Giles will officiate under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service at Marvin United Methodist Church. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mary Dale’s Circle of Friends. The family will receive friends at a reception in Pirtle Hall immediately following the service. Special thanks to Visiting Angels, Carolyn, Janelle, Jennifer, Olivia, Melissa and Misty for their loving care. Thank you also to Mrs. Lettie Payne and Mr. Frank Turner. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation-Women’s Board Project, 100 E. Ferguson, Suite 800, Tyler, TX 75702 or to the charity of your choice.

Mary Dale Thomas

October 24, 1933 - October 30, 2016