Marlene Fanny Thomas

Marlene was born Oct. 22nd, 1938 to Albert B.Thomas and Harriett Bell Watkins. Marlene spent her formative years in Florida, graduating from Paxon High School in ’57 and enjoyed both dance roller skating and performative water skiing, as a member of the 5 Girl Slalom Act with the Trout River Ski Club. Marlene remained a steadfast Native, always considering Florida her forever home, and final resting place.

While Marlene served as an Executive Secretary for both Johnson Controls and ING, her real passion, and what truly defined her, was running. As an avid runner, with a log spanning nearly a quarter century and new knees to match, she was at her best with her running buddies and those that made up the Wednesday Night Run in Marietta, Ga. Her dedication to furthering the sport was evident through her roles and efforts with the Atlanta Track Club and Chattahoochee Road Runners.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents: Albert Thomas, Harriett Bell Watkins, and her brother, Reddick Lyons.

Marlene is survived by her brother, Albert Thomas, Jr., Marietta, GA; daughters, Sherry Warren, Cartersville, GA; Melinda Stevens, Woodstock, GA.; son, Justin Lank, Canal Winchester, OH; grandchildren, Caleb Warren, Christian Warren, Chad Stevens, Taylor Stevens, Mitch Stevens and her great grandson, Oliver Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marlene’s name can be made to the ASPCA, a local pet rescue or animal shelter.

A graveside service will be held at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205, United States. The service is scheduled for December 12, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.