Mary Lynn (Lynn) Graham Thomas departed this life on October 29, 2024, at her home in Tuckerman, Arkansas. She was born in Tuckerman on January 6, 1924.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen J. Graham and Ida Dowell Graham, husband James M. Thomas, and one sister, Gertrude Lacy.
Survivors include daughter Mary Van Wyck (Bronson), sons James M. Thomas, Jr., and Steve Thomas (Leslie), grandchildren Bronson Van Wyck Jr., Mimi Morrison, Luke Thomas, and Kyle Thomas, six great-grandchildren, and a very special niece, Anne Lacy Wright.
Lynn celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year with family members and many friends.
Lynn was a proud graduate of Tuckerman High School and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.
In addition to being a devoted homemaker, wife and mother, Lynn was a part-time school teacher and farmer. In her middle years, she worked the fields as good as any man and would come home and prepare dinner for her family. No one was known to outwork her.
Lynn had both a brave heart and a kind heart, always looking out for the underdog. She bought groceries for individuals that had never recovered from the great depression.
Lynn was of the Methodist faith and, although quiet about her faith, lived by example. She always tried to do the right thing and expected the same from others.
Lynn loved all people and could communicate with anyone, no matter what race, religion, or political views .
She loved music, especially Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Elvis Presley, and Tina Turner. At the age of 80, she attended a performance by Al Green at the Austin City Limits Festival. While waiting to be shuttled back to the parking lot after the concert, a crowd started shouting that she had cut line. A police officer questioned her and she said, “I am 80 years old, and I’m tired and I’m not going to the back of the line.” The officer responded, ‘Yes ma’am.”
The family would like to acknowledge the superior love and care given by those who attended to her during her final years.
Tina and Madelyn Belcher
Jackie Terrentine
Kay Cheshier
Virginia Burns
Anna Bowen
Ashley O’Hara
Nikki Johnson
Mary Marshall
Nola Berumen
McKayla Jones
Jimmy Sexton
Jimmy Reeves
Without these individuals, she would not have been able to remain in the home she so dearly loved. We are very grateful for all of the attention and care these individuals provided.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, November 23 at 11 am at Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman. A celebration with food and refreshments will follow.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trails to Tuckerman, P.O. Box 976, Tuckerman AR 72473 or Gracelawn Cemetery, P.O. Box 463 , Tuckerman, AR 72473, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
The graveside service and celebration are open to anyone that loved and respected Mrs. Lynn.
