Marion Johnstone-Sharp Brown Thomas' Obituary
A funeral will be conducted for a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and treasured family member. Marion Johnstone-Sharp Brown Thomas, 89, of Longview died Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House in Longview, Texas.
Her memorial service will be held at Rader Funeral Home Chapel, 1617 Judson Road in Longview at 4 PM Saturday, May 7, 2011. The Reverend Shanna Suarez, assistant rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Longview will, officiate.
Burial will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery in Longview. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. A. G. Thomas, Dr. Tommy Thomas, Sr., Gary Thomas Naifeh, Tommy Thomas, Jr., George Preston Thomas, and Joe Lane Jr.
Marion was a Longview resident for 65 years. A homemaker, she was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the church's St. Martha's Guild. She was a member of the Longview Woman's Forum, British Wives Club of East Texas and Cedars of Lebanon Club of East Texas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, retired businessman Sam George Thomas, who died in August 2001.
Marion was born August 30, 1921 in Dumfries, Scotland to Margaret Clemmens-Hastings Brown and James Brown.
A five-year World War II veteran, she served in the Communications Division of The British Armed Forces, attached to The King's Own Scottish Borderers Regiment. She met Sam in Bari, Italy, where he was stationed with The United States Army. They wed in Bari on May 15, 1945.
After arriving in Longview in March 1946, she was welcomed as a dear member of her new family. She was honored to earn her United States citizenship shortly thereafter.
Marion was a quiet and modest person, yet she radiated her positive outlook on life to her husband and children. She was a constant helping hand as they made their way in the world, and she was their compassionate refuge when the world was hard. She always had a smile, a laugh and encouraging words for family and friends.
She was very active in the upbringing of her son and daughter and made the Thomas household a place of welcome for their friends.
She was Pack Leader for her son and his Boy Scout activities; she was a Little League "baseball mom" for Jim's "Yankees" team and sold soft drinks and hot dogs at the playing field to raise money for the boys; she sold cookies for her daughter's Brownie troop. She chaperoned students for dances and field trips. Many young people were able to participate in activities with their classmates, because she provided means to help them be with the group.
As everyone does, Marion met with personal disappointments in life but tended unfailingly to the needs of her family first. When she had joys, she shared her happiness so graciously that it surrounded everyone. She was a blessing to the hearts of all she touched.
She was loved devotedly.
In her adopted country she is survived by her son, Sam James Jim, his wife Rebecca Becky Stokes Thomas, and their son Jared Kyle Pirkle of Hallsville. Also, Jim's daughters, Whitney Elizabeth and husband Jason Paul Merrill of Houston; Aubrey Reneé, her husband Kevin Brice Skinner, and their daughter Lydia Marie of Springfield, Missouri.
Also, daughter Margaret Victoria and her husband Charles Harold Miller, Jr., of Longview.
Other loving relatives in Longview are Mrs. Mose Selma Naifeh, Dr. A. G. Thomas, Dr. Tommy Thomas, Sr., his beloved wife Ann; and several nieces and nephews.
In her homeland, Marion was preceded in death by her brother William Hastings of Dumfries, Scotland and sister-in-law, Mrs. William Helen Hastings of Dumfries. Surviving family members are nephew Dr. Peter Hastings, his wife Margaret and their two children of Glasgow, Scotland. Also, niece Janice Hastings Chan, husband Michael and their three children of London, England.
Marion's family will receive with gratitude those who wish to offer respect to her. Visitation will be at Rader Funeral Home from 5 until 7 p.m., Friday. A memorial guestbook may also be signed online at www.raderfh.com.
Jim and Margaret request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105. Mrs. Thomas' late father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Victoria Curi Thomas of Longview, were among a group of founding sponsors of St. Jude. This hospital offers cancer treatment to any child who seeks it, regardless of ability to pay.
Also, memorials will be accepted gratefully by Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House. Addresses are Post Office Box 5908, Longview, Texas 75608 or 5016 Gilmer Road 75608 in Longview.
In behalf of their mother, Jim and Margaret offer special thanks to all family and friends who gave extra time and consideration to Marion in her last days. Their acts of kindness are appreciated deeply and will be remembered always.
It was a privilege for her family to see the extraordinary care which Margaret's House gave to Marion. Every need which she had was rendered with the highest level of professionalism and sincere benevolence.
There are so many people to thank –Dr. Margaret Schottstaedt, nurses Mrs. Tonya Maranto, Mrs. Amanda Greening, social worker Mrs. Lisa Rogers, and in-house staff.
Unto God's mercy we give you. May He bless, protect and keep you. May God make His Light to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God give you peace both now and forevermore.
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