Marie was born on March 9, 1955, in Moses Lake, Washington, to Bonnie Mae Johns and TSgt John Francis Brazil, Sr. She attended W. S. Neal, graduating from high school in 1973. She cherished her relationships with classmates and maintained regular contact, including participating in reunions. She attended Jefferson Davis Junior College in 1975, South Alabama BS Ed in 1977 and Auburn University M Ed in 1982.
Marie was a retired educator whose dedication to serving children was evident throughout her career. She began teaching at Greystone Christian and Evergreen City Schools, but most of her service spanned from 1980 to 2006 at W.S. Neal Elementary. Additionally, Marie taught at Ed Reid Technical College between 2000 and 2006.
Marie was an active member at Christ Community Church in Columbus, GA, cherishing her church family and serving with her fellow believers. Marie’s passion for Christ-like service started at age 12, with VBS, inspired by her father's teaching aspirations after his USAF service. Marie served faithfully with children, supported her daughter in Run for God classes, participated and led Grief Share, and was involved in various other ministry opportunities. She also supported missions through her sister in Christ, Misty Tyson, and joined a mission trip to Cyprus in 2018.
She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Summer Marie Thompson; her parents, John F. Brazil and Bonnie Mae Johns Brazil; the father of her children, John Lee Thompson; her siblings, J. B. and Steven Montgomery Brazil; her sister-in-law, Donna J. Holley Brazil; and her best friend, Carla Bell Bibb.
Marie is survived by her son, Brian Joshua (Crystal) Thompson; daughter, Charity Hope (Adam) Keller; and her grandchildren who were her heart and soul, Ethan Jamerson Keller, Katherine Sage Thompson, and Aubrey Marie Keller.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907 with a visitation one hour prior. The burial will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Green Acres Cemetery, 5200 Old Hwy 31, Brewton, Alabama at 11:00 AM Central; 12:00 PM Eastern.
