Mary Kathryn Thomas

Obituary
Mary Kathryn Thomas, 90, wife of the Rev. William B. Thomas, died at home on Oct. 8, 2014. She was born in Strawberry Plains, TN on February 19, 1924. She was the oldest daughter of Otis and Eunice Lusk Graves.
She attended Carter Elementary School and Carter High School in Knox County graduating from the latter in 1941. She attended UT Knoxville until it was taken over by the U.S. Navy during WWII. She eventually graduated from Carson Newman College with a B.A. in elementary education.
She taught at Carter Elementary School, Mayfield Elementary School in Cleveland, Church Hill Elementary in Church Hill, TN and South Rossville, GA Elementary. She loved teaching and her students loved her in return. Often she would take snacks from home to feed disadvantaged children who came to class without breakfast.
As a wife of a United Methodist minister she was loved by many in the different churches served by her husband over the years.
In addition to her husband the Reverend William B. Thomas she is survived by her loving daughter, Karen Smith Hill of Sevierville, TN grandchildren Chris Hill (Pam) of Morristown, TN, Geoffrey Hill (Debbie), Laura Boling (Andy), Nicholas Hill (Lori) all of Sevierville, TN, Great Grandchildren Cameron Hill Cox, Chesney Boling, Dane Hill, Zachary Boling, Katherine Hill, Bryce Hill, Eli Hill, Lakelyn Hill, and Zoe Grace Hill. Great great grandchildren Brandi Cox and Ashlyn Cox. Two sisters Iris Vineyard and Doris Strevel both of Knoxville. She was preceded in death by two brothers Billy and Don Graves and son-in-law Larry Hill.
Mary Kathryn was a member of Lyons Creek Baptist Church for years where she taught a children’s Sunday school class. For the last 26 years she has been a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Cleveland, TN.
Mary Kathryn contracted multiple sclerosis near the age of 40 and fought a courageous battle against this debilitating disease with a beautiful and pleasant demeanor which was an inspiration to many. She will be greatly missed by those of us who knew her well.
Special gratitude is extended to Dr. David Dodson of Chattanooga, Renee Collins FNP of Cleveland and Dr. Azahar Skeikh of Cleveland who took such great care of her. The family is also so grateful to Home Health Care of East TN and Hospice of Highway 58, caregivers Ruth Kish and Patsy Sawyer, and the four faithful Sunday School Classes at Wesley Memorial who brought food for the family for years.
“….for the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for Your love which for my birth over and around me lies, Lord of all to You I raise this my hymn of grateful praise.”
Visitation will be held at Wesley Memorial UMC, 3405 Peerless Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 5:00-7:00 followed by the funeral services at 7:00 with the Rev. Mike Travis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church.

You are encouraged to share a memory of Mary Kathryn and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.



Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Thomas family with her arrangements.


Visitation Details
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 11th, 2014
Wesley Memorial UMC
3405 Peerless Road NW
Cleveland, TN 37312


Memorial Service Details
7:00 PM
October 11th, 2014
Wesley Memorial UMC
3405 Peerless Road NW
Cleveland, TN 37312