Mary M. Thomas

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Mary M. Thomas, 72, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 10:06 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the Pinckneyville Community Hospital at Pinckneyville.

Mary was a partner with her husband in owning Thomas Home Improvement in Pinckneyville. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and was active in church activities. She was a member of the Pinckneyville Women's Club. Her hobbies included going to yard sales and antiquing. Mary enjoyed playing cards and was a member of Women's Card Club. She loved to spend time with family and friends and was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She was born November 20, 1936 at Du Quoin, the daughter of William and Katherine (Avooske) McCollum.

She married R. James Thomas on April 10, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Du Quoin and he survives.

She is survived by her husband of Pinckneyville, one daughter - Sherry Alexander and husband C.A. of Marion, Iowa, one son - Eric Thomas of Robins, Iowa, four grandchildren - Amy Lou Stevens and husband Bill, and Katie Jo Little and husband Troy, all of Marion, Iowa, Luke Thomas and Logan Thomas, both of Robins, Iowa, and one great grandchild - Charlie Jo Stevens of Marion, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother - Bob McCollum.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville with Rev. Jim Barnett officiating.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville and from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville or the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.