Mrs. Marie C. Thomas

Marie Crouch Thomas, 82, of Columbia, was born on June 11, 1943, in Oxford, Mississippi, to the late Herman Doyle Crouch and Eva Davis Crouch. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Marie is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Ralph Upton Thomas, and their beloved daughters; Tacey Thomas English (Blake), Leah Thomas Manning (Paul), and Dana Thomas Baker (Stephen). She was the proud and loving grandmother of seven grandchildren whom she adored; Maddi Pointer (Albert), Stephen Baker Jr., Thomas Baker, David Baker, Riley English, Korie English, and Carl Manning of the UK. She is also survived by her dear sister, Becky Laubie of Brea, California; several cherished nieces and nephews; and someone very special to her, “her other daughter,” Courtenay Whitmire Ellis (Matt). Marie graduated from Jackson High School (Jackson, TN) in 1961. During her school years, she was an active member of the Delta Beta Sigma National Sorority, volunteered for the American Red Cross, and participated in the American Businesswomen’s Association. In 1965, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Union University, where she was a proud member of Chi Omega Sorority and was honored as Queen of the Tennessee ETA Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Marie and Ralph married in 1965, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades. Marie began her professional life as a social worker with the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare, Child Protective Services. After six years, she transitioned to the role she cherished most—being a devoted mother to her three daughters. As the family moved with Ralph’s career, Marie pursued her passion for early childhood development. She served as a preschool teacher for eight years at Asbury Methodist Church in Lafayette, Louisiana, and for twelve years at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. In retirement, Marie’s greatest joy was spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. Marie often said that God smiled on her, blessing her with a warm Christian upbringing filled with love, laughter, and endless hugs. She made it her mission to create the same kind of home for her family. She was a faithful member of North Trenholm Baptist Church. Marie requested that her life be celebrated with joy. She asked that all who attend her services wear bright, happy colors; a reflection of her vibrant spirit and the love she shared so freely. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17th, from 4 until 6 o’clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia SC. The funeral service will be at 2 o’clock, Sunday, January 18th, at North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 North Trenholm Road, Columbia SC, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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Mrs. Marie C. Thomas

June 11, 1943 - January 13, 2026