Obituary for Mary Ella Burrell Thomas
Mary Ella Thomas, 94, went home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2021. She was a graduate of David T. Howard High School in Atlanta and an alumnus of Spelman College. She retired after 25 years of service from Memorial Hospital. She went on to hold several governmental positions.
Mary Ella Thomas volunteered tirelessly at her church, Renaissance Presbyterian, for many years shopping for supplies needed to host the Mission for Youth Summer and Bible Program. She was an avid participant with the Senior support group, was active in the Book Club, and a member of the Renaissance Church choir. She sang in the Chattanooga Mass Choir directed by Roland Carter.
In the community, the Lord allowed her to serve years as an activist with voter registration, transportation, and a Precinct Poll worker in the Maurice Poss Homes and Glenwood community.
Mary was an elementary school teacher in the public school system. She served numerous years as the PTA Secretary for Joseph E. Smith and Howard Elementary School. She was a member of the Eastern Star Ruth Chapter. She was a Librarian Assistant volunteer for the after-school program at Howard School that enabled the youth a place to learn and study in the community during times when the Southside of town had no Public Library.
Mary was born to the late Fred and Florence V. Burrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Thomas; sons, Ernest Earl and Jonathan Mark; daughter, Ernestine (Andrew) Hughley; brother, William Fred Burrell; brother-in-law, James Booker; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Thomas.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories, children: James (Ruth) Thomas, Gloria J. (Leroy) Griffith, Fred, Florence, Portia, Phyllis, and Joseph (Natesa) Thomas; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Georgia) Burrell; sister, Zenobia L. Booker; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be held 9:00 AM-11:30 AM, Thursday, May 6, 2021, followed by a funeral service at noon in the funeral home chapel. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
Mary Ella Thomas volunteered tirelessly at her church, Renaissance Presbyterian, for many years shopping for supplies needed to host the Mission for Youth Summer and Bible Program. She was an avid participant with the Senior support group, was active in the Book Club, and a member of the Renaissance Church choir. She sang in the Chattanooga Mass Choir directed by Roland Carter.
In the community, the Lord allowed her to serve years as an activist with voter registration, transportation, and a Precinct Poll worker in the Maurice Poss Homes and Glenwood community.
Mary was an elementary school teacher in the public school system. She served numerous years as the PTA Secretary for Joseph E. Smith and Howard Elementary School. She was a member of the Eastern Star Ruth Chapter. She was a Librarian Assistant volunteer for the after-school program at Howard School that enabled the youth a place to learn and study in the community during times when the Southside of town had no Public Library.
Mary was born to the late Fred and Florence V. Burrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Thomas; sons, Ernest Earl and Jonathan Mark; daughter, Ernestine (Andrew) Hughley; brother, William Fred Burrell; brother-in-law, James Booker; daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Thomas.
She leaves to cherish her loving memories, children: James (Ruth) Thomas, Gloria J. (Leroy) Griffith, Fred, Florence, Portia, Phyllis, and Joseph (Natesa) Thomas; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother, James (Georgia) Burrell; sister, Zenobia L. Booker; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Public viewing will be held 9:00 AM-11:30 AM, Thursday, May 6, 2021, followed by a funeral service at noon in the funeral home chapel. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.