Lorenda Mariene Thomas' Obituary
Lorenda Mariene Thomas, age 90, of Diana, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025 at her home. Mariene was born April 6, 1934 in a small West Texas town known as Sudan. She was born to Sterling and Oleta Reece. Mariene was an LVN when she married Albert H. Thomas of Muleshoe, Texas. They eventually moved to a small East Texas town known as Diana, a place she would call home for the next 50 years.
At the age of 50, Mariene went back to Kilgore College and became an RN where she worked at Good Shepherd Hospital until retiring in 2000. She loved to play the piano, mostly by ear, which began in her youth and continued until she could no longer play. She was the pianist at the United Methodist Church in Diana for 47 years.
Mariene also loved to quilt and made sure every family member and her friends received a quilt (or two). She loved the Lord and always imparted her knowledge of the bible to anyone and everyone who would listen. She died with a bible by her side.
Mariene was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Albert. Survivors include her sister, Viola Lovell Shupe of Diana, Texas; two daughters, Debra C. Nelko of Alabama and Deniece L. Barker of Longview, Texas; two sons, Albert (Guy) Thomas, Jr. and Martin B. Thomas both of Longview, Texas; eight grandchildren, Cliffton Evans, Brent Evans, Nicholas Nelko, Travis Nelko, Tori Nelko, Josh Thomas, Casy English and Amy Richardson; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11 am. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Rosewood Park Mausoleum.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorenda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lorenda?
Share a story where Lorenda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorenda you’ll never forget.
How did Lorenda make you smile?
