Elizabeth Ann Theis

On Tuesday, November 23, 2021, Elizabeth Theis, loving wife, mother, mamaw, friend and mentor passed away at the age of 68. Elizabeth was born on May 6, 1953, in Newport, Rhode Island to Mary (Smith) Gould and Richard Cook.

From a young age, Elizabeth knew she wanted to help hurting children. This desire came from the years she spent in hospitals battling illnesses, surgeries, and infections. One hospital stay had a profound impact on Elizabeth’s life. It was at the navy hospital in Newport that she met Mark Theis, a young sailor who worked there. A courtship began and the couple was married on July 28, 1972.

Mark lovingly united with Elizabeth’s dream to help others. Together they had two biological children, adopted four, were foster parents to 58 and mamaw and papaw to many.

Throughout her life and despite her physical limitations, Elizabeth worked hard to have family. Her love had no limits. She wanted everyone who entered her home to feel as though they belonged and that they were loved. And that love extended to the biological families of her adoptive and foster children.

The desire to help didn’t end with children. Elizabeth constantly gave of herself to help people. It was her mission in life. Over the years, Elizabeth and Mark opened their home to several families. She started a clothing ministry to help those in need. For several years, she cooked a pot of chili to feed the homeless on Saturdays. Elizabeth relentlessly did whatever she could to make a difference in someone’s life.

From a small girl who overcame the odds of living to adulthood, to a woman who taught how to love without reservation and no matter the obstacles and struggles, to always pick yourself up off the floor and keep trying - this was Elizabeth Theis.

At the center of Elizabeth’s life was her beloved Savior Jesus, and she was quick to tell anyone she came in contact with that God was real and Jesus loved them.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, Richard Cook, mother, Mary Smith, sister, Donna and her brother, Chris.

She is survived by her husband Mark, her six children, David, Heather, Kris, Beth, and Jessica, 9 grandchildren, and multiple great grandchildren.