Obituary of Mavis Thomas

Mavis P. Thomas is the daughter of Richard E. Palmer and Ruth Harner Palmer of Columbia, Missouri, and sister to Rienzo, Aurevia, Waldo, and Aldus (Sam), all deceased . She graduated from the University of Missouri and taught for 3 years at Columbia’s Benton Elementary School until marrying George Isaiah Thomas in 1940 and moving to the East Coast where she taught for another 36 years.She is survived by her daughter Joyce Thomas and son-in-law Robert Castleberry of Eugene; by her grandsons Ian and Ben Novinger and their respective wives, Angie Novinger and Amy Hawkins; and by granddaughter Shelley Zucker and her husband Adam Zucker; by step-grandchildren Brook Castleberry Hall, John and Peter Degner; and by great grandchildren Austin and Skyler Novinger and Noah and Anya Zucker. Her husband George, daughter Laurel, and grandson Ward Degner died previously.Mavis enjoyed the last 17 years at Eugene’s Cascade Manor where she was known for her friendliness, kindness and independence, and for sharing her creative flower arrangements. Recent life highlights include Noah’s violin playing and Anya’s artwork.Her family and friends remember her remarkable story telling and scrabble ability, her respect for hard working people, her loving support over many years, and her strong will.Any gifts in memory of Mavis may be made to the SMART Reading Program, 525 Mill St., Spfld, OR 97477 or the Eugene Public Library.A private family remembrance is planned.Arrangements entrusted to England’s Eugene Memorial Chapel. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com