Mary Knepper Thomason

On Thursday January 9, 2025, Mary Knepper Thomason, age 97, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and devout follower of Christ, went home to be with her Lord. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. 

Born on Christmas Eve 1927, Mary was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs and a faithful member of First Baptist Church for over 70 years. She was a living example of the Proverbs 31 woman:  “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies… She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:10, 26)

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen E. Thomason, her parents, Parley and Lela Knepper, brother, John Knepper, and sister, Anna Gurnea - all of whom are most assuredly enjoying a wonderful reunion in Heaven! 

Mary is survived by four daughters, Dawn Manning, Lesa Harrison (Don), Cyndi Goolsby (Dale), and Julie Guy (Bert) and one son, Eddie Thomason (Melissa). She was blessed with twelve grandchildren, Kirsten Manning Sandhu (Johnny), Josh Manning (Kiki), Marilee Manning Breitner (James) Reid Harrison (Lanny), Deanna Harrison Booth (Carl) Neil Harrison (Michelle), Christopher Goolsby (Kalen), Cole Goolsby (Brianna), Hunter Guy (Ashley) Justin Guy (Frances), Sam Thomason and Ty Thomason and 16 great-grandchildren, Kayleigh (Ben), Max, Mia, Marley, Benjamin, Beren, Rebekah, Glen, Kaitlynn, Gabrielle, Eli, Zoe, Addison, Granger, Cade, and Carter. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. 

She met the love of her life, Glen Thomason, in DeFuniak Springs, and the two were married for over sixty years until Glen’s passing in 2007. Mary faithfully supported Glen in his 42 year career at Gulf Power Co. and his after hours and weekend work as a farmer of chufas. 

Together, they built a strong Christian foundation, raising five children in a home centered on faith, joy, and love. 

Mary worked tirelessly as a homemaker, while also, for many years, as a secretary at Maude Saunders Elementary School, where she touched the lives of countless children, parents, colleagues and other members of the community with her kindness and steady presence. 

She found joy, peace, and inspiration in her garden, where her love for flowers and plants growing and coming to life provided her peaceful sanctuary. 

Her yard was filled with vibrant daylilies, azaleas, camelias, and lush greenery - all thriving under her tender care. She loved spending her days planting, pruning, and nurturing, turning even the simplest corner into a place of beauty. Her garden wasn’t just a collection of plants - it was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, patience, and deep love for God’s creation. 

The family would like to thank some very special ladies who offered care to Mrs. Thomason; Elaine Young, Mariann Sands, Kristy Russell, Martha Blackburn, Christie Kirchheval, and Jane Kirchheval. Special thanks also to the staff at Sodalis, Dr. James Howell and staff, the nurses of Gentiva Hospice for all their kind and compassionate care, First Baptist Church and Pastor Tim Burnham.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church, DeFuniak Springs at 11 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with Rev. Josh Manning and Rev. Tim Burnham officiating.

Private family burial will take place at Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations to First Baptist Church building fund, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Samaritan’s Purse.