Mary Francis Thomas

Mary Francis (LaGrone) Thomas was born September 14, 1937, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late George LaGrone Sr. and Thelma Louise LaGrone. She departed this earthly life on Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, at the blessed age of 88.

She attended public school in Little Rock, before moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1957.

Mary Francis would later meet and marry Clarence Raymond Thomas and to this union five children were born, three girls and two boys, that she loved and raised.

For many years she did day work for former Mayor Win Moses, Ms. Blackburn, Jordan Lebamoff and a few others. She loved doing her job, as they spoiled her.

She enjoyed going to garage sales looking for knickknacks, antiques, and deals. She taught us all how to be proud of what we had, even if it was used second hand stuff. Her free time enjoyment included the lunch buffet at Pizza Hut along with dining at Long John Silvers and Ryan's Buffet, which were her favorite.

If she attended any event and there was music playing, she was on the dance floor, especially if Uncle George was there. She was notorious for giving her grandkids nicknames, like Red Skelton, Lucille Ball, Benny Hill and Carol Burnett. They were her favorite TV characters and kept her laughing.

She was a member of Changing Lives Outreach Ministries under the leadership of Co-Pastors, Rev. Virgil and Rev. Glenda Griffin. She would later transition with them and unite with Redemption Church under the teachings of Dr. Khalid Griffin, Senior Pastor.

She was a devoted attendee of Just of Girls until her health began to decline. She was a fun-loving mother, and a grandmother who loved to dance. She would always get the party started.

Mary Francis leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Mary (Matt) Govan, and Linda Thomas – Carlisle (James) Lamb; sons, Clarence (Angelica) Thomas and Charles E. Thomas all of Fort Wayne; son -in-law, Roosevelt Oden of Fort Wayne; brother, George LaGrone Jr. of Fort Wayne; sisters, Magdalene Young of Fort Wayne, IN, and Bernicteen (Leroy) Wingfield of Emmet, Arkansas; five grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson along with a host of nephews, nieces and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George LaGrone Sr. and Thelma Louise LaGrone; daughter, Melodie A. Thomas-Oden; granddaughter, Twilah Newmon Thomas; two great-grandsons, Edward Jones Jr. and Kweli Thomas, and brothers, Ellis L. LaGrone, Wayne Lee Jr. LaGrone and Nona Reen Norman.

A visitation will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Lakeside Park, located at 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN, 46805, on December 20, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Homegoing Celebration will follow will immediate follow at 12:00 pm.

Mother Thomas will be laid to rest in Lindenwood Cemetery following the service.