Mary Beth Thomas 1946-2025

God took a hand in creating someone incredibly special when Mary Beth was born on Dec. 9, 1946. Growing up right on Main Street in Cortland, she had a front row to the street fair and savored the festivities centered around her home.

Mary Beth was a reserved, self-proclaimed introvert, but she was not to be underestimated. Affectionately known as “MB” or “Sis,” she loved a grand prank and joining in creative mischief. Mary Beth had a bold laugh and a radiant smile.

Mary Beth studied to be a nurse and continued throughout her life to be a person you could call in a crisis, knowing she would keep a level head and not be shocked by anything.

She was instrumental in creating Thomas Cableway & Thomas Pump and Machinery, a global company that continues to be a family-run business. Her selfless work in the early years of the business was critical to the long-term success of the business.

Mary Beth’s faith was grounded from a young age, and she has been an active member of many churches, serving as an elder, youth adviser and treasurer. She was active in leadership for Bible study, serving on the board, but truly loved all of her Bible studies. When her Epiphany star invited her to wrestle with usefulness, she began a lifelong partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Ghana. She was instrumental in building the Shiashie Presbyterian Church, but also in inviting many of her family members to continue this partnership in ministry in Africa.

Throughout her life, Mary Beth noticed those on the fringes and was generous. Her service work was most prominent after Hurricane Katrina, when losing her home, she moved into a church in Lacombe to serve as the host for visiting relief teams.

Behind the home plate is where Mary Beth shone as one of the best scorekeepers in softball, with scorebooks that were works of art. She was incredibly creative, crocheting thousands of blankets for people who were in the hospital or homebound. Her creativity also took on a humorous note when she decorated the retirement home with hundreds of rubber ducks.

This natural joy and playfulness shone through the abundance of love Mary Beth showed to her children and grandchildren. Fun was contagious. Mary Beth was not a big presence, but loved to do things in big ways and lived abundantly.

Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Betty Hefner.

She is survived by her brother, Lyle Hefner, and his wife, Suzy Hefner; her children, Dawn Burris, her husband, Jeff, and their daughter, Abigail; Michelle Thomas-Bush, her husband, David, and their children, Camden and Violet; and James Thomas, his wife, Mary Margaret and their children, Megan and her husband, Dejan, and Jonathan.

The family would like to thank Sage Lake Retirement Community for the care and compassion they showed Mary Beth in her final years.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Sage Lake Retirement Home, 1444 Andrews Drive, Covington, LA 70433. Visitation with the family will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to Northshore Food Bank, northshorefoodbank.org.

(special notice)