Mary B. Thomas

On April 7, Mary Laticia Burton Thomas died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter, Leslie Thomas Ware, in Duluth, GA. Ticy, as she was known by her family and friends, was born in Rhode Island, the middle of five children to the late Mildred Louise Gilbert and William H. Burton of Chepachet. She was formerly married to the late Charles E. Thomas Jr. Ticy graduated second in her class from Burrillville High School and some years later, while working full time and caring for her family, she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelors degree in biology from Rhode Island College. For most of her career she was employed by the State of Rhode Island as a microbiologist. Although the greater part of Ticys life was spent in Greenville and Warwick, RI., for the past 14 years Ticy resided in Acworth, GA to remain close to her children and grandchildren who had migrated south with their careers.

Ticy was an ardent bridge and cribbage player as well as a fine needle worker and is leaving behind many colorful memories and pieces of her art. She also loved to play challenging games and to solve the New York Times crossword puzzles. Although bridge was her favorite card game, she was especially fond of beating her siblings at high-low-jack.

Her love for family was expressed in her thoughtful gift giving and preparation of favorite family dishes. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, often relating their activities and extolling their accomplishments. Yet, her accomplishments, creativity, kindness and integrity have been an inspiration and example to her family and friends. Her mischievous Siamese cat, Eloise, added to her joy and comfort.

Ticy is survived by her three children, Leslie Thomas Ware, David Glen Thomas of Acworth, GA, and Lori Thomas Bryant of Cumming GA, and four grandchildren, Morgan Lowell and Emerson Stephanie Thomas of Acworth, GA, Jamie Beth Ware of Savannah, GA, and Alexandria Faye Bryant of Cumming, GA, as well as a great grandson Aidan. She also leaves behind siblings, Lorna Burton Avritch, of Bristol, CT, Ruth Burton Wilbur of Woodstock Valley, CT (formerly Smithfield, RI) , and John R. Burton, of Salt Lake City, UT.

A private memorial dinner will be held in Roswell, GA on April 13. An additional memorial service will be held in Chepachet, RI this July on the occasion of the annual Burton Family reunion. Her ashes will be spread at the Burton Woodlands also in Chepachet. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local hospice or to your local animal rescue.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia.