Mary Helen Thomas

Life Reflections Mary Helen Thomas born May 20th 1953 in West Helena, Arkansas to the union of the late Booker T. Cooley and Zella Mae Cooley. Mary Helen was born eighth of twelve children.Preceding her in death from flesh to spirit are Levi Anthony Cooley, Altha Grace Thomas, Booker T. Cooley, Willie Bea Peal, Marinda Kaye Carter, Wilma Faye Young and Champ Larry Brown. In 1955 the family moved to Missouri. Mary was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Meacham Park under Rev. George E. Sebree. Mary Helen moved her membership to Holy Trinity under the leadership of Rev. David Rice, Sr. and later became a faithful member of Mt. on Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Sammie E. Jones, Senior Pastor. Mary Helen's passion was singing in the Sanctuary Choir. She could bring life and joy to any ALTO lead. Mary Helen Cooley was united in holy matrimony to David L. Thomas on June 10th 1978. To that union David and Mary Helen helped raise Ralaun (Ra'nya, Chloe and Kaymira) and Emmanuel Jones. David and Mary Helen have been together for 47 years and married 42 years. Mary Helen graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1971. She attended college at Sanford Brown College and SLCC at Forest Park after which she worked for St. Joseph Hospital of Kirkwood, Central Service Division, and as a Medical Secretary for a private practice, then for Enterprise Rental Car as a Reservations Representative until she retired. Mary Helen loved cooking, baking, sewing and crocheting. She loved serving others with her gifts. Mary Helen was a force to be reckoned with at Bid Whist with family. There was always a party when she, Bea, Faye, Dean, Clark, Ann, Booker and Rufus got together. All the rest of the family could do was watch in amazement. You had to be brave to join those card games. David and Mary Helen threw the best basement parties and family gatherings. Mary Helen's laugh was infectious, she would get so tickled that she'd laugh and cry at the same time. Mary Helen Thomas transitioned January 14th 2021 at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted husband, David L. Thomas; three sisters, Gloria D. Carter, Janice Ann Cooley-Johnson and Donna (Dennis) Jackson; one brother, Rufus (Mahalia) Cooley; other sisters-in-law, Juanita Mahone and Tina Brown of Detroit, MI; two brothers-in-law, Torn Young of Tuscaloosa, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Interment:J.B. National Cemetery2900 Sheridan AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63126 . Visitation Mt. Zion Baptist Church Friday, January 29, 2021 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM 1444 S. ComptonSt. Louis, Missouri 63104 Directions Funeral Service Mt. Zion Baptist Church Friday, January 29, 2021 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1444 S. ComptonSt. Louis, Missouri 63104 Directions