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Mazina Ann Williams Thomas, 83, a resident of the Pine/Thomas Community, died Sunday night, June 14, 2020, at her home after a lengthy illness.

She was born in Greenville, Ala., on March 16, 1937, and later graduated high school early before attending LSU on an academic scholarship. While at LSU, she played the French horn in the Tiger Band and twirled the baton as a member of the Golden Girls. She also graduated early from LSU and later obtained a Master’s Degree and Specialist Degree from the University of West Georgia. “Mrs. Ann,” as she was affectionately known, then taught school for over 50 years. She touched the lives of countless young people while serving at Thomas School for many years, teaching English/Language Arts, science and other subjects in different grade levels through the years. Mrs. Ann provided leadership for the Beta Club and 4-H Club as well as the yearbook committee. She was a longtime active member of Pine First Baptist Church, where she played the piano for services and numerous weddings. Mrs. Ann was involved with the Explorers Post 254 and coached youth softball for many years. She loved traveling and had been to Hawaii, Europe, and the Bahamas among many vacation spots. Mrs. Ann loved sewing and making crafts and alongside her husband, served on the Watermelon Festival committee during its time in Franklinton. Mrs. Ann was always devoted to the needs of young people in our area and will be sadly missed by her beloved family, church family and all those that knew her.

She is survived by: three sons and daughters in law, Richard Houston Thomas Jr. of Temple, Ga., Johnny Lee Thomas and Carolyn Thomas of Bremen, Ga., and Michael Wayne Thomas and Claire Soupart Thomas of Slidell; daughter-in-law, Sondra Mizell Thomas of the Thomas Community; 10 grandchildren and spouses, Dianna Michelle Hull and Steve Hull, Darrell Mark Thomas, Dorothy Mazina Jean Thomas, Richard Houston Thomas III and Kathryn Thomas, Joshua Lee Thomas and Lindsey White Thomas, Pamela Nicole Thomas, Kimberly Shannon Meeler and Corey Meeler, Matthew Johnny Thomas and Melissa Heller Thomas, Tiffany Darleen King and Chad King, and Brandon Keith Thomas and Chelsea Tate Thomas; 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; sister, Betty Lou Higgins of Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, Charner Leon Williams Jr. and Bobbie Williams of Florida; and also several nephews and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Keith Thomas; her husband of 55 years, Richard Houston Thomas Sr., twin great-grandsons, Lawson Lane Thomas and Major Kent Thomas; and parents, Charner Leon Williams Sr. and Johnnie Dera Jones Williams.

Visitation will be at Pine First Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 17, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., and after 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 18. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11 a.m. Thursday with the Rev. David Easterling officiating. Burial will follow in the Thomas Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Mark Thomas, Richard Thomas, III, Josh Thomas, Brandon Thomas, Matt Thomas, Chad King, Steve Hull and Corey Meeler.