Mary Lou Thomas

Mary Lou Gourley Thomas, age 81, of Tellico Plains, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, October 24, 2021.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arvil and Thelma Gourley; sons, Mickey Lee and Larry Jack Stewart; brothers, James Edward and Charles Ray Gourley; sister, Linda Sue Watson; and sister-in-law, Teresa Lethco Gourley.

Mary Lou was a member of Bible Baptist Church. She was a good wife and enjoyed spending time hunting bear and fishing with her husband; everything they did, they did together. Every one that knew Mary Lou knew she had a beautiful big heart. She loved her children and grandchildren and she would tell them often, “You will never know how much I love you.” She was always protective of all her family and would defend them to the end.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 35 years, Jarvis Thomas; children  and spouses, Peggy Loretta (Doug) Hester, Jody Dale (Sharroan) Stewart and Christopher Dockery; daughter-in-law, Frances Stewart; step-children and spouses, Kim (Perry) Miller and Kyle (Cynthia) Thomas; adopted children, Randall and Sharon Harris; sisters and brothers-in-law, Barbara Ailene Miller, Carolyn (Claude) Stewart, Debbie (Greg) Colvin; brother, Jerry Gourley (Sherry); sister-in-law, Joyce Gourley; brother-in-law, Jack Watson; grandchildren, Brad Stewart, Shaun Stewart (Shauna), Scott Graves Watson (Daniele), Crystal Watson Dockery, Jacob Stewart, Maggie Stewart Debty (William Cody); step-grandchildren, Jody Thomas, Kender Thomas, Jessica McCosh (Dustin), Erica Turpin (Jonas), Brittnie Hester and Kelsie Hester;  several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Myers Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, at Ebenezer Ballplay Church Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Miller and Rev. Carroll Hamilton officiating.