Celebrating the Life of Mary Sanders Thomas

Mary Sanders Thomas, 86, of Alma, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, following a brief illness. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Mary lived a life defined by faith, selflessness, and an unwavering love for her family.

Born June 30, 1940, in Hartwell, Georgia, Mary was the daughter of the late Penic and Elvie Sanders. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jana Marie; three brothers, Charles, Max, and Alton; and three sisters, Imogen, Barbara, and Patsy.

Mary’s memory will be forever treasured by those that remain, including her husband of 46 years, John L. Thomas of Alma, Georgia; son, Charlie Calhoun, and his wife, Janet, of Fernandina Beach, Florida; grandson, Caleb Calhoun of Dunedin, New Zealand; and sisters, Peggy Phiefer of Macon, Georgia, and Carol Seebeck, and her husband, Bill, of Hazlehurst, Georgia. She also leaves behind a legacy of love that extends to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Mary was a woman of dedication and hard work. She spent many years as a trainer at Milliken Alma Plant, a role she truly loved. Yet, her greatest work was found within the walls of her home and the hearts of her community. Mary was a homemaker in the truest sense —nurturing, deeply caring, and hospitable. Throughout her life, she opened her doors to children and adults alike, becoming a second mother to some, a second grandmother to others, and a comforting presence to all.

As the wife of a minister, Mary’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served alongside her husband in various churches over the years, most recently as a member of Mims Missionary Baptist Church in Bacon County. She was a humble spirit before God, quietly demonstrating what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Beyond her devotion to home and church, Mary loved sharing memories of her travels. Among her favorite destinations were the Rocky Mountains, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Dodge City, Kansas.

Mary will be remembered above all for her kindness, her generosity, and her profound selflessness. She set a beautiful example of grace for all to follow, and while her presence, love, and prayers will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Funeral services will be held Saturday July 11, 2026, at Campground Methodist Church at 11 AM with Rev. T.F. Yawn and Bro. Jerone Rigdon officiating. Interment will be held at Campground Church Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Crosby Funeral Home Friday night from 6-8 PM.

Active pallbearers include Bryan Thomas, Demery Meeks, Ron Woodall, Ben Thomas, Dewayne Carver, and Jerry Mims All in attendance will be considered honorary pallbearers.