Mary Murphree McMullan Thomas

Mary Jane Murphree Thomas

Homemaker

Services for Mary Jane Murphree Thomas will be held 2:00 p. m., Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Duvall officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Nebo Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Jane, of Meridian, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at Rush Foundation Hospital, Meridian.

Mary Jane was a longtime member of State Boulevard Baptist Church, (Faith Baptist), working in the nursery for many years. Prior to joining State Boulevard Church, she worked with Vacation Bible School at Macedonia Baptist Church of Suqualena.

She was a most gracious example of Christian love and compassion. She was always there for those in need, whether it was for food, money, or a listening ear. There was a special place in her heart for veterans, working diligently on their behalf as President of local VFW Post 79. She made special armchair and bedside storage bags for the VA Hospital in Jackson—a sewing skill she learned at Midland Shirt Factory in Union, making military uniforms during WWII. Her skills also included being an accomplished quiltmaker, cook, seamstress, hairdresser, poet, and gardener, always taking great pride in doing her very best. Mary Jane was also employed as a bookkeeper at Ford’s Department Store and the Kaybee Store in Meridian during the 1940’s. For 30 years she served as answering service for her now deceased husband, Jim Murphree’s auto appraisal business.

Many of her loved ones suffered greatly during the war years, including her father, Frank B. McMullan, who served as an interpreter during WWI. Her mother, Ollie McMullan raised six children under the most severe conditions during those years, as well.

Survivors include her husband, Dean Thomas; a daughter, Linda Warren Swearingen, of Mobile, AL; a son, Orvil Skinner and wife, Gail of Meridian; 3- grandchildren, Angela Swearingen Jackson, David Swearingen, Jr., Dane Quinton Skinner; 5-greatgrandchildren, Emily Jackson, Luke Jackson, Lillian Swearingen, Anne Morgan Swearingen, and Sara Swearingen; and 2-sisters, Francis Stephens and Jean McNeil.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husbands, Leon Warren, Orvil Skinner, and Jim Murphree; parents, Frank B. and Ollie McMullan; sister, Myrtie Warren; and two brothers, Henry C. and Homer L. McMullan.

Visitation will be from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.